April 21, 2002 Greetings Meteorite Enthusiasts!
A question has emerged concerning what a Mercurian meteorite should look like and/or otherwise contain. While reading the recent discussions, it was stated that such space rocks would contain a low metal content. However, it is currently accepted that Mercury contains a rather large core of molten iron. Being the second smallest planet in the solar system and without a useful atmosphere, wouldn't such a planet normally be less equilibrated than Venus or Earth if it wasn't for its close proximity to the sun? To clarify this, wouldn't one expect there to be more free iron-nickel near or in the planet's mantle if it wasn't for the sun? I am guessing that to be the reason why such a prediction was made concerning Mercurian meteorites: the sun's heat causing the heavier elements to migrate to the core. Is this so? (Venus, by the way, if I read correctly and which is further away from the sun, is supposed to be hotter due to its thick clouds.) Before I go, I wish to thank Al for his input on my last post about the European fireballs! Long strewn fields! Mark Fox Newaygo, MI USA __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Games - play chess, backgammon, pool and more http://games.yahoo.com/ ______________________________________________ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
