[meteorite-list] Peru's heritage-- a muddy hole.

From: Darren Garrison <cynapse_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:10:24 -0400
Message-ID: <5ih8l3dggj7uuag9kc5n4ucc73dljljf6o_at_4ax.com>

http://www.livinginperu.com/news-5223-peru-meteorite-crater-puno-peru-declared-natural-heritage-site

Meteorite Crater in Puno, Peru Declared Natural Heritage Site

(LIP-ir) -- The area where a meteorite landed in Puno, approximately 800 miles
from Lima, has been declared a National Cultural and Natural Heritage Site by
the Regional Government of Puno, Peru, said the region's president, Pablo Hern?n
Fuentes Guzm?n.

The regional president explained that the meteorite crater was being declared a
part of Peru's heritage to preserve it and keep it safe from locals and
foreigners that "want to get their hands on it".

Furthermore, Hern?n Fuentes stated that these efforts were being made so that
the meteorite crater would be protected against the strong rains during this
time of year, which could cause the crater to disappear. A national university
in Puno has been given the task of preserving the crater during the upcoming
rainy season.

The meteorite, which was found to be a chondrite, landed in the town of Carancas
near the Peru-Bolivia border on September 15, leaving a crater approximately
forty feet in diameter.

The meteorite and its crater have attracted national as well as international
attention. After a meteorite collector came to Peru from the US and admitted to
having bought thee hundred grams of the meteorite, villagers began to guard the
crater.

Fearing the loss of the crater to concerned villagers and the rainy season in
Puno, the Regional President announced the crater would be turned into a tourist
attraction in November.
Received on Mon 03 Dec 2007 01:10:24 PM PST