Extraterrestrial Superconductivity Found in Meteorites for The First Time

Several scientists at UC San Diego and the Brookhaven Laboratory in New York have been analyzing 15 pieces of comets and asteroids, and the outcome was outstanding. For the first time ever, extraterrestrial superconductive grains have been found.

The two meteorites with superconductive grains were named Mundrabilla and GRA 95205.

The discovery can increase our knowledge about astronomy

The researchers are claiming that the findings could boost humanity’s knowledge regarding astronomical environments. Superconducting particles from cold environments have the potential to affect planet formation. But also, it can affect the shape and origin of dynamo effects, magnetic fields, and the motion of charged particles.

Short story about the meteorites

The Mundrabilla meteorite is an iron meteorite found over a century ago, in 1911 in Australia. It’s among the largest meteorites found, having the weight of 22 tonnes. It’s composed 65-75% of iron-nickel (7.8% Ni, 0.48% Co).

As of GRA 95205, a description from NASA says the following:

The exterior of this achondrite has patches of dull black fusion crust with polygonal fractures. Most of the fusion crust has weathered away. The resulting surface is a rusty green-brown color with numerous areas or patches of shiny melted-appearing minerals. Several fractures are visible. This meteorite is very hard and extremely difficult to break. The interior revealed white to yellow minerals; pyroxene and plagioclase and oxides are present. Some areas are completely rusty. Cleavage planes were visible on some of the larger mineral grains. This achondrite has an igneous texture.

The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

As new studies will bring back more and more answers regarding astronomy and our place among the stars, we can only feel lucky about ourselves for getting the privilege of witnessing it all. The ultimate goal should be finding intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe, but unfortunately, it may never happen.

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