A meteorite found in the Sahara Desert, known as NWA 12774, has provided evidence of a previously unknown ancient protoplanet that may have existed early in the solar system’s history.

Scientists say the rock, classified as an angrite, contains unusual chemical features suggesting it formed under extremely high pressure in a large planetary body rather than a small asteroid.

Analysis indicates the parent world could have been up to 1,800 kilometers in radius, potentially similar in size to the Moon or even approaching Mars.

Researchers believe this long-lost world likely formed over 4.5 billion years ago and was later destroyed in violent collisions during the early solar system, Space.com has reported.

The study suggests that other fragments of similar ancient planets may still be undiscovered in meteorite collections on Earth.