The 1,300-pound space rock you can touch in Spain: it is 3.75 billion years old
The University of Almería is showcasing a massive meteorite in a free exhibition that also features genuine fragments of Mars and the Moon.
A 1,300-pound space rock that is 3.75 billion years old has become one of the main attractions of the “Impact!!” exhibition, organized by the University of Almería. The meteorite, which arrived on Earth millions of years ago, is on display and can even be touched at the university’s Natural History Pavilion through July 31.
The exhibition features a total of 50 authentic specimens, including meteorites, tektites, and impactites from the collection of meteorite hunter José Vicente Casado, one of Spain’s leading experts in the field. Visitors can also see rare fragments from Mars, pieces of the Moon, and some of the oldest materials ever discovered, dating back approximately 4.55 billion years to the birth of the Solar System.
Touch a meteorite in Spain for free
According to Casado, some of the samples contain particles that did not even originate in our Sun. Instead, they were formed in stars that existed before our Solar System was born. That makes meteorites invaluable tools for understanding how the universe formed and how Earth evolved over billions of years.
The exhibition is divided into seven themed sections and includes replicas of historical objects made from meteoritic iron, including ancient Egyptian daggers. It also puts into perspective just how much material from space reaches our planet every day. Although roughly 110 tons of cosmic dust and micrometeorites fall to Earth daily, only a small number of larger fragments survive their journey through the atmosphere, and even fewer are recovered for scientific study.
The University of Almería says the exhibition is designed to appeal to astronomy enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors alike. Admission is completely free on weekends, and organizers hope it will become one of Andalusia’s standout science attractions this summer.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.