Yamato 793605

Yamato 793605 is a Nakhlite, a rare type of Martian meteorite that is primarily composed of augite-rich pyroxene crystals. It was collected during a Japanese expedition in Antarctica and helps scientists study Mars' geological past.

It was discovered in the Yamato Mountains of Antarctica during a Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition in 1979. Antarctica's cold, dry environment preserves meteorites exceptionally well, making it a prime location for discoveries.

This meteorite is highly notable for containing secondary minerals like clays and carbonates that indicate aqueous alteration on Mars. This means liquid water was once present and interacting with the rocks on the Martian surface.

It belongs to the Nakhlite group, which is much rarer than the Shergottites, sharing similarities with other famous Martian meteorites like Nakhla. Researchers often compare Yamato 793605 to these others to map the diversity of Martian rock types.