[meteorite-list] NPA 03-26-1969 Battelle Scientists Probe's Allende Meteorite

From: MARK BOSTICK <thebigcollector_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri Dec 17 10:59:04 2004
Message-ID: <BAY4-F15C2A74FECAF6C0003F20DB3AF0_at_phx.gbl>

Paper: Tri City Herald
City: Pasco, Washington
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 1969
Page: 24

Battelle Scientists Probe Meteorite's Solar Secrets

     Battelle-Northwest scientists are studying a meteorite that fell to
earth in early February.
     The scientists expect the findings will provide information on the
history of meteorites in the solar system.
     The meteorite fragment, part of a meteoric "shower" which occurred Feb.
8 near the village of Pueblito de Allende in northern Mexico, was recovered
by the U.S. National Museum and sent to Battelle.
     The studies are being supported in part by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA).
     Battelle is using nondestructive testing techniques to measure trace
amounts of cosmic-ray produced radioactivity.
     The same equipment, developed by Battelle, will be used to study the
first materials returned from the moon's surface under a Battelle contract
with NASA.
     The fragment, which broke in two when it hit the earth, weighs about
four pounds and is roughly six inches long and four inches in diameter.
     It has an internal appearance similar to dark granite and has a coarse,
granular structure that indicates cooling occurred over a long period. The
exterior is virtually covered with a dark fusion crust, brought about by its
heated passage through the earth's atmosphere.
     R.W. Perkins, research associate heading up the study, said meteorites
which reach the earth are rarely located and picked up rapidly after their
fall, as happened this time.
     He said when the precise date of fall is know a meteorite's
radioactivity content is measured quickly, both recent and long-term cosmic
ray exposure can be estimated. Such measurements provide an important basis
for a meteorite's orbital path and history.
     Perkins explained the radioactivity in a meteorite is produced during
its exposure in space to solar protons form the sun and galactic protons
from deep within the galaxy.
    Early acquisition is essential if short-lived radionuclides are to be
measured to provide an indication in space during the final weeks of the
meteorite's space life.
     Perkins and Dr. Louis Rancitelli, principal co-investigator are
measuring a dozen radioactive isotopes present in the meteorite in
detectable amounts.
     He said the importance of the project is increased because the study of
lunar materials is only a few months away.
     The meteorite provides material of similar composition and radiation
exposure expected to be brought back from the moon.

(end)
Received on Fri 17 Dec 2004 10:58:27 AM PST