For event 3, I went to the UCLA Meteorite Collection. Meteor refers to "a variety of pieces of debris—made up of either rock, metal, or a mix of the two—that enter the atmosphere from outer space. Before doing so, they’re called meteoroids."(Stromberg). There is a vast array of meteorites on display at the exhibit. Each one has its own unique characteristics. My personal favorite meteorite shown was the Esquel-pallasite, because of its striking contrast between the gold and black, which was found in Argentina in 1951. I would have never thought it was a meteorite. I also enjoyed seeing the second largest meteorite from the USA called the "Old Woman" iron meteorite that is 177.4 lbs. I was shocked to learn that this is only a piece of the whole meteorite, as it is massive. This is an amazing exhibit to visit, as you are able to see how the meteorites are natural pieces of art, as well as being provided with the scientific background as to how they were formed.
It was cool to learn about the process that takes place where rocks change texture and phases called thermal metamorphism. I found it fascinating how about "500 meteorites reach Earth's surface, but only 5 or 6 make it to the scientists to study" (Meteorite Collection).
Overall, I have a new found appreciation for meteorites. I had never seen them up close, nor such a vast variety of them. They are all so unique and it is great how UCLA has also incorporated a scientific foundation in the exhibit. It is important to learn about the formation of meteorites, as they are more than just beautiful rocks.
Sources:
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| Esquel-pallasite |
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| Old Woman Iron Meteorite |
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| Very informative information board |
It was cool to learn about the process that takes place where rocks change texture and phases called thermal metamorphism. I found it fascinating how about "500 meteorites reach Earth's surface, but only 5 or 6 make it to the scientists to study" (Meteorite Collection).
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Overall, I have a new found appreciation for meteorites. I had never seen them up close, nor such a vast variety of them. They are all so unique and it is great how UCLA has also incorporated a scientific foundation in the exhibit. It is important to learn about the formation of meteorites, as they are more than just beautiful rocks.
“Meteorite Collection.” UCLA, meteorites.ucla.edu/.
“Meteoritical Bulletin: Entry for Old Woman.” Meteoritical Bulletin RSS, www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php?code=18007.
“Couple Loans Unexpected Find to UCLA Meteorite Gallery.” Daily Bruin, dailybruin.com/2016/06/27/couple-loans-unexpected-find-to-ucla-meteorite-gallery/.
Dorminey, Bruce. “Rare Meteorites Are Now Sought After By The Art Crowd.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 Dec. 2015, www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2015/11/30/high-end-meteorites-as-holiday-stocking-stuffers/#4e0649395e50.
Dorminey, Bruce. “Rare Meteorites Are Now Sought After By The Art Crowd.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 Dec. 2015, www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2015/11/30/high-end-meteorites-as-holiday-stocking-stuffers/#4e0649395e50.
Stromberg, Joseph. “A Smithsonian Expert Breaks Down the Science of Meteors.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 15 Feb. 2013, www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/a-smithsonian-expert-breaks-down-the-science-of-meteors-18847526/.
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