[meteorite-list] Tata-Foumzgit-Tanzrou Martian Fall. (Why no lunar falls? and freshest lunar?)

From: Galactic Stone & Ironworks <meteoritemike_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:43:32 -0500
Message-ID: <CAKBPJW8wGRK1mF1hBibiwWCFFrj3-S9t2cnCsi3pBfvOkznf-Q_at_mail.gmail.com>

Hi Jeff and List,

I didn't mean to demean the value of an actual sample return mission.
I think most of us would love to see a sample return mission for Mars
or any other planetary body. Perhaps a Martian sample return mission
would be one of the precursors to an eventual colony on Mars. A
self-sufficient colony on another world is a dream I would love to see
come true in my lifetime, but unless I live well past 100, I doubt
I'll see it.

Back to the new Mars meteorite, I wish a scientist would explain why a
fresh sample like this is valuable for research. In other words, how
much detrimental effect does oxidation and weathering have on
specimens used for research purposes? Does it waste valuable
instrument time trying to sort out the effects of weathering from
native properties present in the sample?

Best regards,

MikeG

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On 1/15/12, Jeff Grossman <jngrossman at gmail.com> wrote:
> ...except that it is unlikely that the primary target of a sample return
> mission to Mars would be basalt!  That is not to say that this isn't an
> exciting event. But it does not accomplish what a sample return mission
> would, nor does it make such a mission less important.
>
> Jeff
>
> On 1/15/2012 2:43 PM, Galactic Stone & Ironworks wrote:
>> Hi Shawn and List,
>>
>> It is true that science has access to dozens(!) of Martian meteorites,
>> but all of them have been sitting on Earth for thousands of years and
>> they have experienced alteration and oxidation during that long wait
>> for discovery.  This is the first Martian (or any planetary) that has
>> a terrestrial age measured in months.  That is exciting.  It is so
>> pristine and fresh, that scientists should be very keen to research
>> it.  Due to it's lack of oxidation and alteration, it is the next best
>> thing to sample recovery mission.  Imagine how much it would cost to
>> bring back a sizeable sample from Mars.  Mother Nature just saved
>> science billions of dollars.  :)
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> MikeG
>
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Received on Sun 15 Jan 2012 05:43:32 PM PST