Meteorites

Meteorites

Once considered bad omens, meteorites are now recognized as giving unique insight into the materials that were present at the formation of the solar system. Meteorites provides a compelling look at these objects. As we learn, meteorites are pieces of stone, metal or a mixture of both, that survive their fall from space to land on Earth. Most originate from asteroids, a few come from Mars or the Moon and some may come from comets. Those from asteroids are the oldest objects scientists can study, dating back 4.57 billion years. It is estimated that between 5,000 and 17,000 meteorites larger than 3.5 ounces fall to Earth every year. The next section chronicles meteorite falls and finds across the globe. It may come as little surprise that desert-like regions are among the best places to recover meteorites. Next, the book examines impacts and collisions, tracing the effects that meteorites have had on the solar system. The rocky inner worlds of the solar system reveal evidence of a very violent history involving huge numbers of impacts over time. Next the authors discuss, in great detail, the sources and types of meteorites. For example, the most common class of stone meteorites is the chondrules, which has changed little since formation; another class, the achondrites, shows signs of melting and recrystallization. Meteorites is an accessible guide to a fascinating topic at the crossroads of astronomy and geology. HC. 112pp. 2009.

Hardcover: 112 pages

Publisher: Firefly Books ( October 01, 2009 )

Item #: 38-6975

ISBN: 9781554075157

Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 10.0 x 0.0 inches

Product Weight: 20.0 ounces