[meteorite-list] UAz Sothwest Meteorite Center

From: D. Hill <dhill_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri Jan 20 15:57:08 2006
Message-ID: <43D14E45.4030204_at_lpl.arizona.edu>

Dear Meteorite-List,

Dr. Lauretta and Marvin Killgore asked me to post this message to the List.

-Dolores Hill



From: Dante Lauretta [mailto:lauretta_at_lpl.arizona.edu]
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 1:30 PM
To: 'meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com'
Subject: UAz Sothwest Meteorite Center

Greetings meteorite enthusiasts, collectors, and dealers,

In response to recent rumors, we are happy to clarify some misconceptions
about the University of Arizona Southwest Meteorite Center. We have
established the Southwest Meteorite Center to preserve the dwindling supply
of extraterrestrial materials for future generations. This Center represents
a unique collaboration between a (former) meteorite dealer and a meteorite
scientist. History shows that meteorites have always been collected and
always will be collected. Private collectors and dealers have made important
contributions to meteorite science. We hope to address the tensions that
currently exist between the commercial and scientific meteorite communities
and establish a productive relationship between meteorite scientists,
dealers, and collectors.

Our goals are as follows: We have established an organization that will
benefit both the scientific and commercial meteorite communities. We will
educate future generations of meteorite scientists, dealers, collectors and
the general public about the importance of studying and preserving
meteorites. It is our goal to have the Southwest Meteorite Center become a
leader in meteorite research and education. We intend to become a
world-class meteorite repository and house one of the largest meteorite
collections in the world. We will curate this material to the highest
standards and ensure that it is accessible to both researchers and the
general public. We aspire to provide rapid and accurate classification of
any meteorite sample brought to our center.

Marvin Killgore has ceased his business as a meteorite dealer. The Southwest
Meteorite Lab will not be selling meteorites at the Tucson show. However,
you will still have the opportunity to talk and visit with Marvin about the
University of Arizona's Southwest Meteorite Center in Room 121 at the Inn
Suites from Jan. 28 - Feb. 11 (9 A.M.-6 P.M.). Exquisite meteorites,
posters, and educational materials will be on display.

Meteorites that were donated to the University of Arizona will never be
sold. In accordance with existing policy, Donor's wishes will be honored
and all meteorites deposited at the University of Arizona will be used
solely for public education and research.

If anybody has any questions or concerns about the goals and objectives of
the Southwest Meteorite Center they are strongly encouraged to contact Dante
Lauretta (lauretta_at_lpl.arizona.edu) or Marvin Killgore
(killgore_at_lpl.arizona.edu) to discuss the details.

Dante Lauretta
Marvin Killgore
Tucson, AZ
Jan. 20th, 2006
Received on Fri 20 Jan 2006 03:55:33 PM PST