Meteors and Meteorites

In October this year we received some meteorite samples from Neatherd High School and Dereham 6th Form College Astronomy Club, Norfolk, UK. The Club also sent us the second edition of 'Meteorites' published by The Natural History Museum of the UK along with some astronomy posters. The box of meteorites contained six meteorite samples. It included one iron meteorite, two chondrites, one mesosiderite, one indo-chinese tektite and one K-T boundary material.

Iron meteorites come from center of large asteroids that have been ripped apart by collisions. These iron meteorites are very dense and heavy. In fact, all meteorites contain iron but are alloyed with nickel.

Some meteorites have chondrules, droplet like structure in cut surface, that are not found in terrestrial rocks. These meteorites are called chodrites.

Tektites are small pieces of natural glass formed in an impact event.

Go to NHS&DSFC Astronomy Club Website about these Space Rocks.

Have you seen meteors and fireballs like many other people have? There are certain dates when meteors fall in large numbers. Best times to look is in the early mornings when more meteors fall. In the evening slow meteors are seen and sometimes they reach the ground. You can learn about this more in NHS&DSFC Website.

Mark your calendars for meteor shower peaks. Go to Meteor Showers section in 'Alert' page.

Observations