Meteorite Gatuto – Kenya
Type: stony meteorite / ordinary chondrite L6
Locality: Kenya
Weight: 2,85g
Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 5 mm
Year fell: 2020
Total known weight: 25 kg
Surface treatment: cut, polished slice
Packaging: Transparent plastic box (5,8 x 3,8 x 1,6 cm)
The Gatuto meteorite is an ordinary L6 grade chondrite, indicating that it contains lower iron content compared to other chondrites. It was struck on 24 April 2020 in the Kirinyaga area of Kenya. The event was observed at around 20:27 local time, when witnesses noted a bright trail in the sky, followed by three detonations and another longer sound ending in an explosion. The total weight of the fragments found is estimated at approximately 25 kilograms.
Some fragments of the Gatuto meteorite landed in populated areas, including one that pierced the roof of a house, while larger pieces were found in nearby villages and near the road. It is characterised by its light grey colour with a crystalline structure resembling sugar and visible metallic grains. Some specimens show thin black shock veins. A black fusion crust is often present on the surface, formed during passage.