A “Mars rock” that will go on display at the World Expo in Osaka opening next month has left a Tokyo research facility for the venue in western Japan.
The rock was discovered in 2000 by a Japanese expedition team in Antarctica. Analysis later revealed that it was a meteorite from Mars that reached Earth tens of thousands of years ago.
It is about the size of a rugby ball and weighs 13 kilograms. It is one of the largest of its kind known to exist in the world.
The meteorite normally kept at the National Institute of Polar Research in Tokyo was loaded onto a truck that left for Osaka on Wednesday.
This will be the first time for the Mars rock to be shown to the public. It will be on display at the Japan Pavilion until the Expo closes in October.
Kumagai Hiroyasu, head of the institute’s public relations, said a “Moon rock” was a popular attraction during the 1970 Osaka Expo. He said it seems like fate that a Mars rock will be featured this time.
Kumagai added that he hopes many people will take this opportunity to see the rock and reflect on the wonders of the universe and our planet.
AloJapan.com