description NWA 032 Overview
NWA 032 is a lunar meteorite found in Northwest Africa in 1999 and classified as an unbrecciated mare basalt. Its mineralogy, chemistry, and preserved igneous texture record crystallization from basaltic magma produced by volcanism on the Moon. Researchers have noted geochemical similarities between NWA 032 and Apollo 12 mare basalts, although it was delivered to Earth independently by an impact event.
help NWA 032 FAQ
Is NWA 032 really from the Moon?
Yes, NWA 032 is a confirmed lunar meteorite, meaning it was ejected from the Moon's surface by an asteroid impact and eventually fell to Earth. Its mineralogy and chemistry match known lunar mare basalt compositions.
What makes NWA 032 an 'unbrecciated mare basalt'?
Unlike many lunar meteorites that are breccias (broken and re-welded rock mixtures), NWA 032 preserved its original igneous crystallization texture without being shattered by impacts. This makes it especially valuable for studying basaltic volcanism on the Moon.
When was NWA 032 found?
NWA 032 was found in Northwest Africa in 1999 and was one of the earlier recognized lunar meteorites from the NWA meteorite series. It has been extensively studied since its classification.
How does NWA 032 compare to Apollo mare basalt samples?
Researchers have compared NWA 032's geochemistry to basalts returned by the Apollo missions, noting both similarities and differences in trace-element patterns. These comparisons help constrain which regions of the Moon the meteorite may have originated from.
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