Erg Chech 002 meteorite, the solar system's oldest volcanic rock, now exhibited in Maine
via Algérie3602 min read
The Erg Chech 002 meteorite, discovered in 2020 in the Erg Chech desert near Adrar, Algeria, is now on display at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel, Maine. This meteorite, a fragment of a protoplanet, is the oldest volcanic rock ever recorded, dating back 4.566 billion years, making it older than Earth itself. Unlike most basaltic meteorites, Erg Chech 002 has an andesitic composition, rich in silica, and features large greenish pyroxene crystals embedded in a gray mineral matrix. Scientists believe this structure indicates it originated from the crust of a protoplanet with complex geological activity shortly after the solar system's formation. This ancient world likely disintegrated in a cosmic collision, sending its fragments into space until one landed in Algeria. The Algerian Embassy in the United States confirmed its exhibition, highlighting the global scientific importance of the discovery. The embassy stated that the find symbolizes Algeria's deep historical roots, resilience, pride, and freedom, representing a "journey through space and time." Erg Chech 002 challenges existing astronomical models by suggesting that silica-rich planetary crusts were more common in the early solar system than previously thought, offering insights into planetary creation.
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Tonight, around 8:30 PM local time, a significant celestial event will be visible to the naked eye: a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. According to the Research Center in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics CRAAG, these two bright planets will appear close together, with an angular separation of approximately 1.6 degrees, positioned about 25 degrees above the western horizon. Mercury will also be visible, though less bright, at about 15 degrees above the horizon, completing a remarkable planetary alignment. Beyond astronomical observations, the CRAAG plays a crucial role in monitoring seismic activity. The center manages the national seismic surveillance network, which has been particularly active recently. On June 4, 2026, the CRAAG recorded the strongest earthquake of the year, a magnitude 4.9 tremor near Aïn Djasser in Batna wilaya. This followed a 3.8 magnitude quake the previous day and other tremors during the Eid El-Adha celebrations in Médéa, Tlemcen, and Béjaïa. Despite these events, CRAAG scientists assure the public that this seismic activity is normal and routine. Northern Algeria is located on the edge of the African tectonic plate, which collides with the Eurasian plate, moving approximately 5 mm per year. This movement causes energy to accumulate and release as tremors. The national network records an average of 80 tremors per month in Algeria, with nearly 90% being too weak to be noticed by the population.
Must ReadRabeh Abderrahmane Mouissat, an Algerian graduate in automation from Kasdi Merbah University in Ouargla, has successfully had his advanced artificial intelligence model, "AraCode-7B," officially approved on the international platform Featherless AI. This achievement, described on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as a "remarkable scientific feat" by the Algérie Presse Service APS, propels national university expertise onto the global tech stage. AraCode-7B is an open-source model specialized in software engineering, capable of understanding and generating computer code, and explaining code lines in Arabic with technical precision. It can also propose algorithmic solutions and write computer scripts efficiently. According to Mouissat, this tool will serve as an interactive guide for students and developers, simplifying complex technical and IT concepts. The integration of AraCode-7B on a global AI platform addresses a significant lack of large language models adapted to Arabic in advanced disciplines, thereby strengthening digital sovereignty and Arabic scientific content in AI and computer science. Mouissat expressed his ambition to develop new, 100% Algerian artificial intelligence models to compete globally.
Algeria's Théniet El Had National Park has officially joined UNESCO's prestigious global network of biosphere reserves. The park director, Abderezzak Lahmar, announced that the Algerian application received unanimous approval in Paraguay during the 38th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme, which concluded on June 6. This recognition highlights the park's unique ability to protect exceptional biodiversity while promoting local sustainable development. The park, a significant part of Algeria's environmental heritage, spans 3,400 hectares of dense forests and majestic landscapes. It is known for its unique populations of Atlas cedars, Aleppo pines, green oaks, and cork oaks. The park is home to over 100 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Natural sites within the park include Mount Ras El Brarit and Kef Siga, which offer panoramic views from 1,700 meters altitude. This UNESCO inscription is expected to boost scientific research, strengthen site protection, and transform the park into a key destination for sustainable tourism. In related news, Algeria has also officially submitted the "Augustinian Itineraries in Algeria" dossier to UNESCO. This initiative aims to protect archaeological remains and stimulate the local economy by promoting a 1,500 km route connecting 14 cities in the central and eastern parts of the country, following the footsteps of Saint Augustine.