Science / Medicine : Chinese Claim Oldest Meteorite

Chinese scientists have discovered near the northeastern city of Shenyang what they say is the world’s largest and oldest known meteorite, according to an official newspaper. Geologists estimate that the meteorite, known to local farmers as Huashitai Hill, is 4.5 to 4.6 billion years old and fell to earth 1.9 billion years ago, the China Daily said. They said the meteorite mound, located about 12 miles southeast of Shenyang, is roughly 600 feet long, 250 feet wide and 300 feet high. It weighs about 2 million tons and is covered with granite. The daily said the meteorite predates the oldest rock originating on earth, believed to be about 3.6 billion years old. A planetarium is to be built on the site and the place will be declared a state-protected nature reserve.