[meteorite-list] Images of NWA 5000 Complete Slice

From: Adam Hupe <raremeteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:47:24 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <7496.99003.qm_at_web30707.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Dear List Members,
 

I promised some images of the only complete slice
taken from NWA 5000, "The Cosmic Masterpiece." The
surprise is that a hermetically-sealed display system
was manufactured specifically for this slice and is a
one-off. We would like to take this time to express
our gratitude to Steven Domonkos Sr., Sr. Research
Engineer, Department of Atmospheric Sciences,
University of Washington who fabricated this fantastic
display system. Not only does it act as a display,
it also operates as a preservation chamber holding a
vacuum, which can and will be charged with nitrogen.

 

Although it may resemble something imagined from a
Jules Verne book, it is a meticulously-created machine
built to aerospace standards. The tolerances are
incredible and the workmanship is exquisite. The
frame was machined so precisely that it actually
touches the slice at three points along the inside of
the ring. The front and back are made from a
bullet-resistant material that will not yellow over
time. The synthetic o-rings are made of a material
that will not degas, harden or decay. The valves and
monitoring gauge are superb. Please ignore the base
in the third image; it is a mock-up until a permanent
one can be created. It is still a work-in-progress
that has passed all pressure testing and will be ready
in time for its inaugural public viewing at the 39th
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston this
March.

 

Even though lunar material is among the most robust
meteoritic material available, these extra steps were
taken in order to ensure that future generations will
be able to experience NWA 5000 the same way we have
long after our team has passed on. We went as far as
machining extra parts so that the future stewards of
NWA 5000 can maintain its pristine condition for
perhaps 1,000 years and then hopefully another system
will be in place.

 

The only drawback is that it is impossible to capture
the beauty of this complete slice in an image. It has
to be experienced first-hand in order to truly
appreciate it. We will provide weight and measurement
data on the slice once it has been officially recorded
and submitted to Guinness for a world record.

 

Image links:

 

http://themeteoritesite.com/Time-Capsule-a.jpg

http://themeteoritesite.com/Time-Capsule-b.jpg

http://themeteoritesite.com/Time-Capsule-c.jpg

Thank you for looking,

Adam
Received on Wed 30 Jan 2008 02:47:24 PM PST