description Tissint Overview
Tissint is a Martian shergottite whose fall was witnessed in southern Morocco in July 2011, with fragments recovered from the desert soon afterward. Its relatively rapid collection limited terrestrial contamination, making it valuable for studying Martian minerals, impact processes, trapped atmospheric gases, and carbon-bearing compounds. The meteorite was ejected from Mars by an impact before eventually reaching Earth.
insights Ranking position
Tissint ranks #13 of 213 in the Meteorite ranking, behind Allende, ahead of Ivuna.
help Tissint FAQ
Was the Tissint meteorite actually seen falling?
Yes, witnesses observed a bright fireball over Morocco in July 2011. Fresh dark stones were subsequently recovered from the desert, making Tissint one of the rare witnessed Martian meteorite falls.
How do scientists know Tissint came from Mars?
Tissint contains glassy pockets holding gases whose composition resembles the Martian atmosphere measured by spacecraft. Its mineralogy and isotope signatures also place it among the Martian shergottites.
What are the organic compounds reported in Tissint?
Researchers have detected carbon-bearing material associated with cracks and impact-melt regions in the meteorite. Its origin is debated because Martian processes, impact chemistry, and terrestrial contamination must all be considered.
Why are fresh Tissint samples especially valuable?
The stones were collected relatively soon after their 2011 fall in a dry desert environment. Their limited exposure to Earth reduces weathering and makes trapped Martian material easier to interpret.
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