Kaalijarv

FROM AN IMPORTANT AND ENIGMATIC SET OF METEOR CRATERS

Kaalijarv meteorites can be found at the Kaali meteor craters on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. Although several iron meteorite fragments were identified at Kaali in the early 20^th century, the large size of the craters made it quite baffling that only a small amount of material was originally found. That has changed in the past few years, however, as meteorite hunters have used more powerful metal detectors to find several 1+ kilogram specimens, including the one offered here.

Researchers have determined that the Kaalijarv meteorite fell to Earth around 3,500 years ago in an area already populated by the Finno-Ugric peoples. As a result, the myths and folklore of ancient Estonians and Balts were likely influenced by the violent appearance of Kaalijarv. Indeed, as archaeologists have found animal bones in the now watery pools of the craters, some believe that this was a site of religious sacrifice for the ancient inhabitants of the region.

REFERENCES:

Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for Kaalijarv