Meteorite Ksar Ghilane 022 – Tunisia
Type: Achondrite – ungrouped
Locality: Tunisia
Weight: 0,21g
Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1 mm
Year of found: 2023
Total known weight: 50 kg
Surface treatment: cut slice
Packaging: Transparent plastic box (5,8 x 3,8 x 1,6 cm)
| Category: | Ksar Ghilane 022 |
|---|---|
| By name: | Ksar Ghilane 022 |
| ? Type: | Stony |
| Subspecies: | Achondrite |
| ? Surface treatment: | Cut |
| Packaging: | In box |
| ? Origin: | Phobos? |
The Ksar Ghilane 022 meteorite was discovered in 2023 in the Tatawin region of Tunisia. It is a rare achondrite (unclassified) with a total mass of approximately 50 kg.
There is speculation that Ksar Ghilane 022 could have come from Phobos, the larger of Mars' moons. This hypothesis is based on similarities in relative reflectivity, hydrogen content and isotopic composition between the meteorite and Phobos. However, this theory is not yet confirmed and requires further research.
The physical characteristics of KG 022 include mostly nearly pure augite accompanied by minor amounts of enstatite and other minerals such as Cr-troilite, daubreelite, alabandite and oxides of manganese and iron. Its internal structure consists of uniform aggregates of light grey and white grains. Some parts of the meteorite lack a fusion crust and show a mottled appearance with dark and light grey grains.
The Japanese space agency JAXA is planning a Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission to collect samples from Phobos and bring them back to Earth. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2026 and return the samples in 2031. Analysis of these samples will allow an accurate comparison with the Ksar Ghilane 022 meteorite and a definitive determination of its origin.