Hoba Meteorite Facts

The Hoba meteorite is the largest intact meteorite found.

Hoba lies on the farm Hoba West near Grootfontein, Namibia.

The meteorite measures 2.7 by 2.7 by 0.9 meters wide.

The mass of Hoba exceeds 60 tonnes, making it massive.

Hoba is composed mostly of iron and nickel metals.

Vandalism and erosion have reduced the meteorite’s original bulk.

The meteorite impacted Earth less than 80,000 years ago.

It hit the ground at terminal velocity, staying intact.

Hoba has unusual flat surfaces on both of its sides.

Jacobus Brits discovered Hoba in 1920 while ploughing fields.

The government declared Hoba a national monument in 1955.

Protection was extended to cover 425 square meters around it.

In 1987 the meteorite and land were donated to Namibia.

A visitor center with circular seating was built at the site.

Thousands visit Hoba yearly, and vandalism has now stopped.

The name Hoba means gift in the Khoekhoegowab language.