description Bishopville Overview
Bishopville is an aubrite meteorite that fell near Bishopville in Sumter County, South Carolina, in 1843. Aubrites are enstatite-rich achondrites, meaning they are igneous meteorites with very little metallic iron and without the abundant chondrules found in ordinary chondrites. As a witnessed nineteenth-century American fall, Bishopville provides researchers with historically documented material for studying highly reduced planetary bodies and differentiation in the early solar system.
help Bishopville FAQ
Where and when did the Bishopville meteorite fall?
The Bishopville meteorite fell near the town of Bishopville in Sumter County, South Carolina, on March 25, 1843. The fall was accompanied by loud sonic booms that startled local residents. It remains one of the most famous meteorite falls in the southeastern United States.
What type of meteorite is Bishopville?
Bishopville is an aubrite, which is an enstatite-rich achondrite. This means it is an igneous meteorite composed mostly of a magnesium silicate mineral called enstatite. Aubrites typically have very little metallic iron and lack the abundant chondrules found in ordinary chondrites.
How much of the Bishopville meteorite was recovered?
A total mass of around 6 kilograms was recovered from the fall. The single stone broke apart upon impact, and the fragments were collected by locals. Today, specimens are held in major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution.
What makes the Bishopville meteorite scientifically valuable?
Bishopville is valuable because it is one of the rare examples of an aubrite, a type of meteorite that likely originated from a differentiated parent body. Its lack of metallic iron and high enstatite content give it a unique chemical makeup. It helps scientists study igneous processes on asteroids under highly reducing conditions.
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