4.1-Billion-Year-Old Martian Meteorite 'Teghaza 001' Discovered in the Sahara Desert

In a new study published in the journal *Science*, researchers revealed that ordinary-looking pinkish rocks found in the **Sahara Desert** four years ago are actually pieces of a rare Martian meteorite named **'Teghaza 001'**. Estimated to be at least **4.1 billion years old**, it stands as one of the oldest Martian meteorites ever discovered on Earth.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Discovery & Naming:

- Named after **Teghaza**, an ancient abandoned settlement in Mali near where the ~800-gram pinkish rock was found.

- Scientific Significance ("Time Machine"):

- Acts as a cosmic time machine, preserving mineral records from a few hundred million years after Mars formed.

- Provides crucial clues about the mantle and crust of early Mars during an era when liquid water flowed on its surface.

- Extreme Rarity:

- Out of more than 400 Martian meteorites found to date, only two others (Allan Hills 84001 and Northwest Africa 7034) approach the age of Teghaza 001.

- Tracing Origins:

- While the exact timing of its ejection from Mars and impact in the Sahara remains unknown, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) research team has identified **13 potential launch sites** for Teghaza 001.

Static GK Facts:

- Planet Mars:

- Nickname: **The Red Planet** (due to iron oxide/rust on its surface).

- Moons: Two natural satellites – **Phobos** and **Deimos**.

- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL):

- Headquarters: **Pasadena, California, USA**.

- Meteorites vs Meteoroids:

- Space rocks that survive atmospheric entry and land on Earth's surface are termed meteorites.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: What is the estimated age of the rare Martian meteorite 'Teghaza 001' discovered in the Sahara Desert?

A: ~4.1 Billion Years Old

Q: Near which country's ancient abandoned settlement was the Teghaza 001 meteorite discovered?

A: Mali

Q: Approximately how much does the Teghaza 001 Martian meteorite weigh?

A: Around 800 grams

Q: Where is NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) headquartered?

A: Pasadena, California, USA

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