[meteorite-list] Hypothetical launch question

From: Michael Gilmer <meteoritemike_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:41:58 -0400
Message-ID: <BANLkTimefE_DbJ5DFr-Sqm26sKJQX1q+sA_at_mail.gmail.com>

Hi Stuart and Bill,

I tend to agree with Stuart on this one. Although, the damage done
would depend on several factors, including the angle and speed of the
descent. The type of roof would make a difference also. The roof of
an industrial or hardened structure might resist penetration, but I
think a typical residential or commercial roof would be penetrated to
great effect by an 8-pound meteorite.

However unlikely, it could have fallen from the wheel well of an
airplane. It could have also been thrown by a large wood chipper
operating a block away. Also, one cannot discount the power of
drunken hooligans who like to cause damage for no logical reason.
With meteorite hammer falls being so rare, there are a multitude of
possible explanations that are more likely, even though some scenarios
might seem far-fetched. Strange things happen.

If there were no reports of a bolide in the region, then the meteorite
theory becomes even more improbable.

Best regards,

MikeG

----------------------------------------------------------------------
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On 4/13/11, actionshooting at carolina.rr.com
<actionshooting at carolina.rr.com> wrote:
> Sounds fishy to me. Lorton was way less then that and it went THROUGH the
> roof. I don't believe there is ANY way an 8lb rock at terminal velocity
> wouldn't go through a roof.
> --
> Stuart McDaniel
> Lawndale, NC
> IMCA#9052
>
> http://www.facebook.com/Stuart.McDaniel.No.1
>
> ---- bill kies <parkforestmet at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> =============
>
> I had an interesting call from a gentleman in Lombard Illinois. He has an 8
> pound rock that bounced off his roof. After careful examination, I explained
> that it was probably not a meteorite but that it wasn't my place to discount
> the possibility entirely. I suggested he have a piece sliced and polished
> since he was so determined to know for sure.
>
> The question of how this rock got there is still kind of interesting. It did
> quite a bit of damage to his roof and ceiling but it didn't penetrate the
> old roof. I suggested, to muted ears, that a beast that size would have
> easily crashed through had it been falling at terminal velocity.
>
> There are three railroad lines near his home. Can anyone imagine how an ore
> car might launch an eight pound rock 5 blocks?
>
> Bill
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--

Received on Wed 13 Apr 2011 09:41:58 AM PDT