1-billion-year-old Mars meteorite found in Algeria is like nothing we've seen from the Red Planet
Scientists have identified a 1.27-billion-year-old Martian meteorite found in Algeria that fills a significant gap in the Red Planet's geological history. The rock, known as NWA 13441, is unique because it is the only known igneous shergottite from a specific period between 600 million and 2.4 billion years ago.
Why it matters
This discovery provides critical data about Mars' volcanic history and helps researchers understand the geological evolution of the planet during a previously mysterious timeframe.
Solar System Mars 1-billion-year-old Mars meteorite found in Algeria is like nothing we've seen from the Red Planet News By Elizabeth Howell Published 11 August 2026 "The characteristics of this meteorite were entirely surprising."
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Click for next article An artist's concept depicting a giant impacts on Mars during a period of heavy bombardment 4.5 billion years ago. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A newly found Mars meteorite is revealing the secrets of a previously hidden time period of Red Planet geological history.
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