description Tagish Lake Overview
Tagish Lake is a carbon-rich meteorite that fell over northwestern British Columbia, Canada, on 18 January 2000, scattering fragments across the frozen surface of Tagish Lake. Residents recovered some pieces quickly and kept them frozen, limiting exposure to liquid water and terrestrial contamination. Classified as a C2 ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite, it contains hydrated minerals and organic material. Its unusually pristine samples are studied for evidence about primitive asteroids and early Solar System chemistry.
insights Ranking position
Tagish Lake ranks #1 of 213 in the Meteorite ranking, ahead of Allende.
help Tagish Lake FAQ
Why was the frozen surface of Tagish Lake important to the recovery?
The meteorite fell onto frozen Tagish Lake in British Columbia in January 2000. Collectors recovered some pieces without touching them directly and kept them frozen, limiting contamination and terrestrial alteration.
What makes the Tagish Lake meteorite unusually primitive?
Tagish Lake is a carbon-rich carbonaceous chondrite containing fragile material inherited from the early solar system. Its chemistry and mineralogy resemble some of the most primitive known asteroid material.
Did anyone witness the Tagish Lake meteorite fall?
Residents of northern British Columbia and the Yukon observed a bright fireball and atmospheric explosions in January 2000. The fall was later linked to dark fragments scattered across the frozen lake.
What have scientists found inside Tagish Lake samples?
Studies have identified organic matter, presolar grains, carbonates, and water-altered minerals in the meteorite. Its unusually clean recovery makes it valuable for investigating asteroid chemistry and the early solar system.
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