NIZWA: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on Tuesday inaugurated the ‘Meteorites in Oman’ exhibition at Nizwa Gate in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah. The exhibition, in its 2nd edition, highlights the importance of meteorites and investing meteorites in a sustainable manner.
The ministry, through this exhibition, displays a rare selection of meteorites of scientific, global and unique importance.
The exhibition, which will remain open for six months, reflects the ministry’s commitment to raise awareness about the significance of meteorites, promoting sustainable utilisation, and diversifying the museum landscape, all contributing to enhancing heritage and tourist destinations across various governorates.
Raya bint Mohammed al Kindiyah, Director-General of Museums, stated: “The General Directorate of Museums has executed the Meteorites Exhibition in the Sultanate of Oman as one of its distinguished museum objectives. This exhibition is annually transported to various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. It is anticipated to witness significant interest from visitors who seek to explore the rare meteorite specimens on display. The exhibition is scheduled to run until the end of March 2024, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts, researchers, school students, and university scholars to visit and expand their knowledge in the field of meteorites.”
In his statement, Hussain bin Ali al Ghafri, Director of the Geological Heritage Department, emphasised that the opening of this exhibition reflects the ministry’s efforts and plans to highlight this significant aspect of cultural heritage. This opening comes after completing the necessary studies and chemical analyses, providing the public with an opportunity to become acquainted with this unique type of heritage.
Al Ghafri added that there are other scientific projects in the field of meteorite research and study being conducted by the ministry, which have so far resulted in the documentation of more than 7,240 meteorite pieces with a total weight exceeding 6,300 kilogrammes.
Abdulmunim bin Abdullah al Zakwani, a geologist from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said: "The meteorites displayed in this exhibition are different from those shown in the previous exhibition. We will change the meteorites exhibited from one exhibition to another based on the available samples. There will be two representatives from the Al Dakhiliyah Heritage and Tourism Department present daily at the exhibition, and security guards will be provided for the exhibition."
Among the notable pieces exhibited in the exhibition is Jiddat Al Harasiss (JaH091), which is the largest meteorite fall ever, with a total of around 700 pieces. Additionally, the rare iron meteorite, which contains iron as part of its composition, was also displayed. Information about each meteorite in the exhibition was provided, including its name, location, and classification.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
