Blanchardstown: An Achondrite meteorite found in Ireland
Introduction:
I'm sure you've heard of the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, but did you know that Blanchardstown is also the name of a meteorite?
Discovery and Classification:
Discovered in 1994 near Blanchardstown in the town of Dublin, Ireland, the Blanchardstown meteorite is classified as an achondrite, a type of meteorite that originates from the crust of a differentiated asteroid or planet.
Achondrites are typically composed of igneous rocks, such as basalt or andesite, and are characterized by their lack of chondrules, small spherical structures that are common in chondrite meteorites. The Blanchardstown meteorite is a unique achondrite, as it contains an unusual mineral called acapulcoite. Acapulcoite is a rare mineral that is only found in a few other achondrite meteorites, including the famous Acapulco meteorite.
Composition and Age:
The Blanchardstown meteorite is composed of approximately 90% pyroxene, 10% plagioclase feldspar, and trace amounts of olivine and chromite. It has a relatively young age of approximately 1.3 billion years, which is significantly younger than most other achondrite meteorites. This young age suggests that the Blanchardstown meteorite may have originated from a relatively recent volcanic eruption on its parent asteroid or planet.
Scientific Significance:
The Blanchardstown meteorite is an important scientific specimen because it provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of asteroids and planets. By studying the composition and mineralogy of the meteorite, scientists can learn about the processes that occur during the formation and differentiation of celestial bodies.
The meteorite's young age also provides important information about the timing of volcanic activity on its parent asteroid or planet.
:
The Blanchardstown meteorite is a fascinating and scientifically significant specimen that has helped scientists to better understand the formation and evolution of asteroids and planets. Its unique mineralogical composition and young age make it an important addition to the collection of known achondrite meteorites.