Scientists Identify a Piece of the Planet Mercury for the First Time in Human History

(Photo: Yale News)

This is NWA 7325, a meteorite that allegedly fell to Earth in southern Morocco in early 2012. Scientists think that it came from the planet Mercury. We have about 70 meteorites from Mars and 180 from the moon. But this rare gem of a meteorite is the only one from the innermost planet.

How can they tell? The rock’s magnetism matches that of Mercury perfectly. It also has high amounts of magnesium and chromium but a low amount of iron, which is apparently what scientists would expect from a chip off of Mercury.

The meteorite is on display at the Peabody Museum at Yale University until September 2, 2014.

-via American Digest