[meteorite-list] New 21.5 Pound Meteorite Found?

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:13:08 2004
Message-ID: <200304231622.JAA21401_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

http://www.tryondailybulletin.com/news/news.asp?ArticleID=11173

Columbus man's rare 21.5-pound meteorite may be 4.5 billion years old
by Bretta Smith
Tryon Daily Bulletin (North Carolina)
April 21, 2003

Columbus resident and astronomy enthusiast Michael Walraven says he has a
rare 21.5-pound meteorite, estimated to be 4.5 billion years old.

The meteorite is considered unusual not only because of its size but also because
its fall was observed, according to Jim Cooper of the Foothills Astronomical
Society.

Walraven said that the meteorite was given to him by Walter Raines, who was
visiting his son in Alaska when he saw the meteor fall. "A few days later, he found
the meteorite in a hole," he said.

"Outside of Antarctica, genuine meteorites are found at a rate of about 25 per year;
of these five to 10 are recovered from observed falls," said Cooper.

The meteorite could be among the rarest type, stony iron, according to Cooper.

Walraven said that he plans to send the specimen to the Science Department at
Furman University to determine its type and age.

Also, the size of the meteorite is noteworthy in comparison to most that are found.
"Most meteorites are pebble-size, not more than a few inches across," said
Cooper.

He said that most particles from space are too small to be classified as meteorites.
Annually, an estimated total mass of 100,000 tons of these particles fall to earth.

The best time to observe meteors is after midnight, according to Cooper.

Currently, to fuel his interest in astronomy, Cooper is building a private
observatory at his home, which will be the second in the county.

Also, Cooper invites all who are interested in viewing the stars to the meetings of
the Foothills Astronomical Society, which meets twice a month, during the full and
new moon at FENCE.

Most recently, the club worked with Tryon Middle School in forming an astronomy
club. The students who are founding members are: Matthew Obermiller, Hannah
Sox, Ira Pace, and Keethan Kleiner. They plan to initially meet in Obermiller's tree
house to look at and discuss the stars.

The club recently excelled at the state's science olympiad.

For more information regarding the Foothills Astronomical Society's meeting
times, contact FENCE for a schedule.
Received on Wed 23 Apr 2003 12:22:03 PM PDT