This summer, Space Expo is exhibiting a very special object: a Gibeon meteorite! It will be auctioned on August 30th, so this is your last chance to see it up close and even touch it!
Valuable and rare
This iron meteorite is billions of years old, weighs 240 kg, and struck the Earth several thousand years ago. It was only discovered in the 19th century near the village of Gibeon in Namibia. Export from that region is no longer possible, but this piece came to the Netherlands before those regulations took effect.
Iron meteorites are rare compared to other types of meteorites. This large fragment of the Gibeon meteorite is extra special because it has been so well preserved. You can even see the burn marks from its journey through the atmosphere. Thanks to its high amount of iron and nickel, it has barely rusted.
Space Expo had its authenticity certified by international experts, including the IMCA and Professor Chris Herd from Canada. We are therefore certain that this truly is a piece of the Gibeon meteorite. Quite remarkable since only 87 other similar meteorites have been found worldwide!
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Largest iron meteorite ever auctioned
The meteorite is owned by the Mercurius Observatory in Dordrecht. They’re putting it up for auction to raise money for a new planetarium and to renew their exhibition. The auction will be conducted by Hessink Fine Art Auctioneers.
On August 30th, the meteorite will be auctioned at Space Expo in Noordwijk. Expectations are high, as this is the largest iron meteorite in the world ever offered at an auction!
Win a spot at the auction
Until August 30th, you can still see and touch the meteorite. Visit Space Expo soon and take a selfie with the Gibeon meteorite. Share your photo on Instagram or Facebook, tag Space Expo, and use the hashtag #gibeonmeteoriet. The most creative entry will win a fantastic prize and a place at the exclusive auction! Entries are open until August 23rd.