Meteorite Vaca Muerta – Chile

The Vaca Muerta meteorite was found in 1861 in Chile, specifically in the Atacama Desert region, which is known for its high concentration of meteorite finds. It got its special name ("dead cow") from a nearby riverbank where the skeletons of several dead cows lay. The meteorite was forgotten for more than 100 years before it was rediscovered in 1985. The main part of the meteorite formed a small crater several metres in diameter, which is still preserved today. The total amount of the Vaca Muerta meteorite found is approximately 3.8 tonnes.

Vaca Muerta belongs to the group of mesosiderites, which are rare meteorites made up of a mixture of iron-nickel metal and silicate minerals. It has a chaotic structure, alternating between parts composed mainly of rock with metal inclusions and parts with metal-bearing rock inclusions. Mesosiderites, such as Vaca Muerta, were probably formed as a result of a collision between two asteroids that mixed metallic core and silicate mantle materials.

The Vaca Muerta desert region is known for its arid environment, which contributes to the excellent preservation of meteorites. Low humidity and minimal rainfall slow the corrosion process, allowing meteorites like Vaca Muerta to remain in very good condition for thousands of years.