What Is 1947 Sikhote-Alin meteorite

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1947 Sikhote-Alin meteorite fell on February 12, 1947, in Russia’s Sikhote-Alin Mountains, releasing energy equivalent to 1,000–2,000 tons of TNT and leaving thousands of fragments totaling over 23 tons.

Key Facts

Fell on February 12, 1947, at approximately 10:30 AM local time
Estimated impact energy was 1,000–2,000 tons of TNT
One of the largest observed iron meteorite falls in history
Over 23 metric tons of fragments recovered to date
Landed in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains in eastern Russia

Overview

The 1947 Sikhote-Alin meteorite is one of the most significant witnessed meteorite falls in recorded history. It entered Earth's atmosphere above eastern Russia and fragmented in a dramatic explosion visible for hundreds of kilometers.

Thousands of eyewitnesses reported a blinding fireball brighter than the sun, followed by a sonic boom and shockwave that rattled windows. The event occurred at approximately 10:30 AM local time on February 12, 1947, in the remote Sikhote-Alin Mountains of Primorsky Krai, Russia.

Massive atmospheric entry: The meteoroid entered the atmosphere at an estimated speed of 14 km/s, creating a fireball visible up to 700 km away.
Explosive fragmentation: At an altitude of about 5.6 km, the meteoroid underwent a violent terminal explosion, scattering thousands of fragments across a wide elliptical area.
Recovery scale: Over 23 metric tons of material have been recovered since 1947, making it one of the largest iron meteorite falls ever documented.
Composition: Classified as an IIAB iron meteorite, it consists primarily of iron-nickel alloy with 5.9% nickel, along with trace elements like cobalt and phosphorus.
Scientific value: The Sikhote-Alin meteorite provided critical data on cosmic ray exposure and solar system formation, helping refine models of asteroid belt dynamics.

How It Works

Understanding the Sikhote-Alin meteorite involves examining the physical processes that occur when a large extraterrestrial object enters Earth's atmosphere and breaks apart under extreme stress.

Atmospheric entry: The meteoroid entered at 14 km/s, compressing air in front of it and generating temperatures exceeding 3,000°C, causing ablation and glowing.
Terminal explosion: Intense pressure and heat caused the meteoroid to fragment violently at 5.6 km altitude, producing a shockwave heard over 300 km away.
Fragmentation pattern: The explosion created a regional dispersion ellipse measuring approximately 1.3 x 0.7 km, with fragments ranging from dust to masses over 1,000 kg.
Regmaglypts: Many recovered pieces display thumbprint-like indentations called regmaglypts, formed by atmospheric ablation during descent.
Shrapnel vs. individual: Two main types of fragments exist: shrapnel-like pieces with sharp edges from explosive breakup and individual masses with smoother, oriented shapes.
Post-recovery analysis: Scientists use neutron activation analysis and metallography to study composition and cooling history, revealing origins in a shattered asteroid core.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite with other major meteorite events in terms of mass, energy, and scientific impact.

Event	Year	Estimated Mass (tons)	Energy (tons of TNT)	Location
Sikhote-Alin	1947	23+	1,000–2,000	Russia
Chelyabinsk	2013	~10	440,000	Chelyabinsk, Russia
Willamette	~13,000 BCE	15.5	N/A	Oregon, USA
Hoba	~80,000 BCE	60	N/A	Namibia
Adzhi-Bogdo	1949	2.5	Unknown	Mongolia

While the Chelyabinsk meteor released far more energy due to its larger size and airburst altitude, Sikhote-Alin remains unique for the quantity of recoverable material and the clarity of eyewitness accounts. Its iron composition allowed for extensive metallurgical study, unlike stony meteorites that disintegrate more easily. The event also occurred in a sparsely populated region, minimizing damage while maximizing scientific opportunity.

Why It Matters

The Sikhote-Alin meteorite continues to influence planetary science, public awareness of space threats, and the study of solar system evolution.

Planetary defense insights: The event demonstrated how large objects can fragment in the atmosphere, reducing ground impact but increasing shockwave risk.
Material science applications: The iron-nickel structure of Sikhote-Alin has informed research into high-strength alloys used in aerospace engineering.
Public engagement: Widespread reporting and artistic depictions, including a 1950 Soviet stamp, helped popularize meteorite science in the mid-20th century.
Museum displays: Fragments are exhibited globally, including at the Fersman Mineralogical Museum in Moscow, serving as educational tools.
Asteroid origin clues: Isotopic analysis links Sikhote-Alin to the core of a shattered protoplanet, offering clues about early solar system collisions.
Legal and ethical frameworks: Recovery efforts raised early questions about meteorite ownership and scientific access, influencing modern space resource policies.

The 1947 Sikhote-Alin meteorite remains a cornerstone event in meteoritics, combining dramatic natural spectacle with enduring scientific value. Its legacy persists in both research and cultural memory, symbolizing humanity's connection to the cosmos.