Scientists in Argentina discover ancient meteorite weighing over 30 tonnes!

Buenos Aires: Argentina scientists said thay have discovered a meteorite in northern Argentina, which is believed to be the second largest meteor in the world.

The meteorite weighing over 30 tonnes was found in the town of Gancedo, 1,085 km north of capital Buenos Aires, Mario Vesconi, president of the Astronomy Association of Chaco, said on Monday.

"While we hoped for weights above what had been registered, we did not expect it to exceed 30 tons," Vesconi said, adding that "the size and weight surprised us", Xinhua news agency reported.

The meteorite was found in an area called Campo del Cielo, where a shower of metallic meteorites fell around 4,000 years ago.

The meteorite will be weighed again to ensure an accurate measurement.

The largest meteorite ever found is called Hoba, weighing 66 tonnes in Namibia, Africa, nearly a century ago.

(With IANS inputs)