Meteorite Aguas Zarcas – Costa Rica

The Aguas Zarcas meteorite is a fascinating example of a CM2-type carbonaceous chondrite that landed on Earth on 23 April 2019. This meteorite fell in the Aguas Zarcas region of Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. The first piece found, weighing 1152g, crashed onto a house, while another piece weighing 280 g fell into a doghouse.

The bolide that caused this meteorite had an entry angle of 73° to the ground, travelled a distance of 20.7 km and had an atmospheric velocity of 14 km/s. The total mass of the meteorite recovered is approximately 27 kg, with approximately 11 kg recovered before rain began to fall over the impact site and may have damaged the samples.

Aguas Zarcas is a CM2-type carbonaceous chondrite, which means it contains significant amounts of carbon, minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, and organic compounds. Type CM2 is known for its richness in organic molecules and water, which is important for understanding the early solar system.

The appearance of the Aguas Zarcas meteorite is characterized by dark, often black or dark brown fragments that contain visible chondrules and gray or black inclusions. This appearance is the result of a complex composition, including minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, and organic compounds that contribute to its unique