Oued el Kechbi        27º 43.422’N, 12º 6.6718’W

South, Morocco

Probable fall: 2023 Mar 03

Classification: Ordinary chondrite (L4)

History: (Zaid Oualguirah) On March 3, 2023, at 2:00 pm GMT, while approximately 1 km to the east of the fall site, nomadic sheep herders named Derija Bent Yahya, Abo bakr Aabidha, Brika weld Himdah and Elkhadir observed a fireball travelling with a SE to NW trajectory fall in the desert region ~45 km SW of Akhfennir, Morocco. As the meteoroid entered the atmosphere, the fireball was reported to be yellow turning to white in color and was accompanied by a sonic boom that is reported to have scattered the herder’s flock. Residents of Samara, individuals in the Al Haggounia strewnfield and residents of Akhfennir all reported to have observed the fireball. The first pieces were found by Abo bakr Aabidha and other residents from Akhefennir on March 4. Thirty-six individuals from the Moroccan Association of Meteorite Hunters organized a search on March 13 and were able to collect an additional 2 kg of stones. The area where samples were found lies within a valley that contains desert pavement separated by abundance of small seasonal ponds. Initial samples were found in the mud where the land surface was wet from recent snow. As seasonal ponds dried, additional samples were found. The Moroccan Association of Meteorite hunters recovered 20 samples weighing a total of 1942 g. Subsequent finds were made bringing the total known weight to ~4764 g. Coordinates and weights of finds indicate the distribution ellipse has a length of 4.3 km and confirm the SE to NW trajectory. 43 stones weighing 1036 g were sold to Jean Redelsperger.

Physical characteristics: Many stones are completely coated by black fusion crust. Some are oriented and larger stones show regmaglypts and surfaces showing slickensides. Fragments found in mud show spots of oxidation on crusted surfaces and exposed interiors. The broken face shows the interior is composed of light grey chondrules, FeNi and troilite grains.

Petrography: Description and classification (A. Love, App) Sample shows a recrystallized texture composed of: rounded and ellipsoidal, close-packed chondrules (ave. apparent dia. 521 μm, n=53), fragments and FeNi and FeS grains (some of which are connected). All chondrule types are present (BO, GO, PO, POP, CC). Chondrule mesostasis is completely devitrified and sample contains abundant clinoenstatite. Additional minerals are: FeNi grains (~3 vol%), troilite, chromite and irregular-shaped grains of Cl-apatite and a single 134 μm zoned plagioclase grain.

Geochemistry: (A. Love, App) Olivine (Fa_23.3±0.3, Fe/Mn=43.9±1.4, n=12); low Ca-pyroxene (Fs_19.7±6.5Wo_1.2±1.3 (range Fs_11.1-29.5 Wo_0.2-4.3), Fe/Mn=29.1±17.8 n=16); high Ca-pyroxene (Fs_12.1±3.4Wo_29.0±4.4, Fe/Mn=12.5±3.9 n=3).

Classification: Ordinary chondrite (L4, C-S2, W0). Based on mineral compositions, chondrule diameter, magnetic susceptibility and metal content, samples are L4.

Specimens: Residents of Akhfennir hold 3880 g including the 1061 g main mass. Jean Redelsperger holds 1036 g the main masses. A polished thin section and 3 fusion-crusted individual weighing 20 g are on deposit at App.