Multi-element analysis of unidentified fallen objects from Tatale in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

A multi-element analysis has been carried out on two fallen objects, # 01 and # 02, using instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. A total of 17 elements were identified in object # 01 while 21 elements were found in object # 02. The two major elements in object # 01 were Fe and Mg, which together constitute about 38 % of the total material concentration of the object. Also 10 out of the 17 elements found for object # 01 have concentrations within the meteorites range while only 3 elements fell in the range for rocks. For object # 02 the major elements were four and these constitute about 27.8 % of the mass of the object. Also of the 21 elements found in object # 02 only 3 of them had concentrations within the meteorite range while 8 elements were in the range for rocks. Therefore, object # 01 could be a meteorite while object # 02 is more of an earthly origin.

Journal of Applied Science and Technology (JAST) , Vol. 5, Nos. 1 & 2, 2000, pp. 45 - 49