Ahnighito Cape York meteorite, American Museum of Natural History

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The Ahnighito
(Ah-na-HEET-o) meteorite

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Peary & Henson recovered the world's largest meteorites. The biggest one weighs over 70,000 pounds. These are now at the New York Museum of Natural History.

Three large masses, weighing respectively 34 tons, 3 tons and 1100 lbs, and named "The Tent" or Ahnighito, "The Woman" and "The Dog" were found in Western Greenland in the 1800's by arctic explorer Robert E. Peary and later transported to New York— (see "Rocks From Space" by Ed Norton, page 245 for full details of the discovery and transportation.) Several more large masses have since been found and recovered from the strewnfield, including the 15 ton discovery of Agpalilik in the 1960's—this is thought to be the legendary "Man" and fourth member of the Cape York family. Cape York's meteorites have slightly distinctive Widmanstatten figures which vouch for its authenticity. Any dealer could "certify" a specimen.

Several more large masses have since been found...including the 15 ton Agpalilik in the 1960's—this is thought to be the legendary "Man" and fourth member of the Cape York family. "

Matthew Henson and Peary's great meteorite!

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