[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: What about radiation
Martin Horejsi wrote:
>
> draco@bios.iuf.net wrote:
>
> "As far as I know all meteorites should have high level of radiation due to
> the influence of UV, x-rays and other Solar and cosmic rays? Somebody knows
> anything about it? Maybe all found meteorites are the sources of different
> diseases such as cancer?"
>
> For some reason, probably stemming from comic books and cartoons, many
> people believe meteorites are or should be radioactive. Fortunately,
> meteorites are not radioactive at all.
>
> Although meteorites have been exposed to cosmic radiation, they do not
> contain materials which emit any radioactive particles. Also, "UV, x-rays
> and other Solar and cosmic rays" may have been formed through processes
> founded in radioactive decay, but they in themselves are not the same type
> of radiation, and although dangerous to humans, they are just high energy
> electromagnetic waves.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Martin
>
> .
>
> ----------
> List Archives are located at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/list_best.html
> For other help, FAQ's and subscription info and other resources,
> visit http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing_list.html
> ----------
Actually, this is not entirely correct. Meteorites do have a RELATIVELY
LOW level of radiation when they arrive on Earth. Their exposure to
cosmic rays while in space produces low levels of some radiocative
isotopes (for example, Al-26, Be-10, etc.). By determining the amounts
of these isotopes in a meteorite, the terrestrial age (time since it
fell) and/or space exposure conditions (eg, size) can be determined.
However, the concentrations of these radioactive isotopes is very low.
george flynn
----------
Archives located at:
http://www.meteoritecentral.com/list_best.html
For help, FAQ's and sub. info. visit:
http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing_list.html
----------
Follow-Ups:
References: