When it comes to identifying meteorites, whether they're from our moon or other celestial bodies, having visual references can be incredibly helpful. One such reference is the collection of lunar meteorite identification pictures that have been compiled over the years.

To start with, ordinary chondrites are the most common type of stony meteorite, accounting for 86 percent of all meteorites that have fallen to Earth. Within this category, there are two main types: carbonaceous and ordinary. Ordinary chondrites contain silicate minerals, which are made up of silicon and oxygen.

Some of the most striking features of meteorites can be seen in their textures, which result from thermal ablation – a process caused by friction with the atmosphere as they enter Earth's surface. This can create roughened, smooth, or even thumbprint-like surfaces on the exterior of the meteorite.

As for lunar meteorites specifically, some planets and moons don't have enough atmosphere to break apart meteors, resulting in larger meteorites falling to their surfaces. For instance, in 2014, NASA's Curiosity rover discovered a massive meteorite on Mars, measuring 2 meters (7 feet) wide – the largest yet found on the planet.

The Hoba meteorite is another notable example of a large and heavy meteorite. Discovered in Namibia in 1920, it weighs roughly 54,000 kilograms (119,000 pounds) and has never been moved from its original location due to its massive size and weight.

Smaller meteorites, on the other hand, can range in size from small rocks to boulders. Some micrometeorites are even so small they're barely visible to the naked eye – making up 99 percent of the approximately 50 tons of space debris that falls on Earth's surface every day.

So, what do lunar meteorite identification pictures look like? Typically, they resemble ordinary rocks found on Earth, except for their dark, burned exterior. Many also have unique textures and features caused by thermal ablation during their fall to Earth.

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, having access to these images can be incredibly valuable in helping identify and study meteorites. So, take a look at some of the lunar meteorite identification pictures below – who knows what fascinating insights they might reveal?

Lunar meteorite identification pictures