Claxton[1] is an L6 chondrite meteorite that fell to earth on December 10, 1984 in Georgia, United States. It is the only known meteorite to directly strike a mailbox.[2]
| Claxton | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chondrite |
| Class | Ordinary chondrite |
| Group | L6 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Region | Georgia |
| Coordinates | 32°09′N 81°54′W / 32.150°N 81.900°W[1] |
| Observed fall | Yes |
| Fall date | December 10, 1984 |
| Found date | December 9, 1984 |
| TKW | 1.46 kg |
Mailbox strike edit
According to the eyewitness account of Claxton, Georgia resident Don Richardson, the meteorite struck his neighbor's mailbox about 36 metres (118 ft) from his position.[3] The rear of the mailbox was crushed and the mailbox was knocked to the ground. A collector bought the mailbox from the homeowner and sold it to the Macovich Collection where it is valued at $60,000–$80,000.[4]
Classification edit
It is an ordinary chondrite type L6 with a light grey interior containing chondrules and free iron.[4]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b Meteoritical Bulletin Database: Claxton
- ^ "Claxton Meteorite". New England Meteoritical Services. October 2000. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
- ^ Meteoritics, Vol. 20, 1985
- ^ a b "Bonhams : Historic Meteorites and Related Americana".