THIRTY-FOUR TONS OF IRON

Ahnighito meteorite in the old hall

© AMNH

This huge piece of iron, known as Ahnighito, is actually just one portion of a much larger meteorite that fell to Earth from space. It landed in Greenland thousands of years ago, before any people lived there. The original meteorite, called Cape York, was initially around 200 tons—at least six times the size of Ahnighito—before it broke apart in the atmosphere. Two other fragments of Cape York can also be seen in this hall. At 34 tons, Ahnighito is the largest meteorite on display in any museum.

CAN YOU FIND THESE FEATURES?

LOOKING CLOSELY AT AHNIGHITO

Ahnighito's huge size is apparent from a distance. But certain other characteristics can only be seen upon close inspection. Can you locate these features on Ahnighito?

SOLID SUPPORT

The posts supporting the 34-ton Ahnighito extend into the basement of the Museum and all the way down to the bedrock underneath the building.

A UNIQUE PATTERN

The unique pattern of crystals known as the Widmanstätten structure is found only in meteorites and never in iron from Earth. Small portions of Ahnighito have been cut, exposing the Widmanstätten pattern inside. The pattern also appears naturally on an uncut surface on the right side.

MISSING METAL

A row of holes on the far end of Ahnighito, some of which have been filled with metal pegs, suggests that someone tried to remove the tip of the meteorite. The holes would have weakened the metal, making it easier to knock off a piece.