shergottite

astronomy

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July 13, 2026

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EETA79001 EETA79001, a meteorite classified as a shergottite that provides the best evidence, from analysis of its trapped gases, that some meteorites are from Mars. In the image the meteorite is shown as it was found on the Antarctic ice during the 1979–80 collecting season.

Shergottites are a class of achondritic meteorites, meaning they do not contain chondrules, which are small, spherical objects formed in the solar nebula. These meteorites are geologically young and composed of feldspar and pyroxene.12

Achondrites, including shergottites, resemble terrestrial igneous rocks like basalts. Most achondrites are thought to have formed through melting and crystallization processes within asteroids. Specifically, shergottites, along with nakhlites and chassignites, are believed to have originated from Mars.2

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achondrite
howardites, lodranites, nakhlites, shergottites, and ureilites. The howardites, eucrites, and diogenites (HEDs) are from the large asteroid Vesta. The shergottites, nakhlites, and chassignites almost certainly came from Mars. In addition, a small group of achondrites are believed to be derived from the Moon.
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howardites, lodranites, nakhlites, shergottites, and ureilites. The howardites, eucrites, and diogenites (HEDs) are from the large asteroid Vesta. The shergottites, nakhlites, and chassignites almost certainly came from Mars. In addition, a small group of achondrites are believed to be derived from the Moon.
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Antarctica
Glaciation
…of a rare class called shergottites had a similar origin from Mars.
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…of a rare class called shergottites had a similar origin from Mars.
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