 It seems our ancestors were not unfamiliar with extraterrestrial materials and might have even used them to forge weapons. Scientists now have proof that an arrowhead found in a Swiss lake was made of iron from a meteorite. In a new study, the authors explained how they came across the object while searching through archaeological collections around Lake Biel. Weighing 2.9 grams (0.1 ounces) and measuring 39.3 millimetres (1.5 inches) in length, the arrowhead was traced to a Bronze Age dwelling called Mörigen, which was inhabited between 900 and 800BCE. The researchers confirmed that it was a meteorite from its composition of a laminated iron alloy consistent with IAB meteorites, known for their high nickel content. They also found that the arrowhead contained aluminum-26, which is only present in objects originating beyond Earth's atmosphere. The arrowhead is believed to have come from the Kaalijarv meteorite (Picture: Thomas Schpbach/Journal of Archaeological Science) It's unclear how the arrowhead ended up in the lake dwelling. However, it is likely that it was brought by a member of the community. Residues left behind by an ancient adhesive were found on the object, suggesting that it was probably attached to a shaft at one time, meaning it was likely used as a weapon or a tool. The arrowhead is believed to have come from the Kaalijarv meteorite, an IAB iron meteorite that fell to Earth in Estonia about 3,800 years ago. The discovery was made while searching through archaeological collections around Lake Biel. (Picture: Getty Images) 'Among large IAB meteorites from Europe, three have a chemical composition consistent with the Mörigen arrowhead: Bohumilitz (Czech Republic), Retuerte de Bullaque (Spain) and Kaalijarv (Estonia),' wrote the authors. Of these, only the latter impacted during the Bronze Age, making this the most likely candidate for the source of the arrowhead. The Kaali){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
It seems our ancestors were not unfamiliar with extraterrestrial materials and might have even used them to forge weapons.
Scientists now have proof that an arrowhead found in a Swiss lake was made of iron from a meteorite.
In a new study, the authors explained how they came across the object while searching through archaeological collections around Lake Biel.
Weighing 2.9 grams (0.1 ounces) and measuring 39.3 millimetres (1.5 inches) in length, the arrowhead was traced to a Bronze Age dwelling called Mörigen, which was inhabited between 900 and 800BCE.