Re: [meteorite-list] Possible Mars meteorite!

Thu, 13 Jan 2005 11:47:29 -0800

If confirmed, it can be named, but won't need any special designation like "Aresite"... it will simply be another asteroidal meteorite, this one found on Mars. It would be wrong to call it a Martian meteorite because the adjective refers to the place of origin, not the place of find. We already have several meteorites that were found on the Moon, both named for their place of find (Hadley Rille and Bench Crater). Something tells me the NomCom would waive the type specimen requirement.

jeff

At 02:12 PM 1/13/2005, Greg Hupe wrote: 
Hi Rob and list,

Rob said,  "One question:  what do we call a meteorite found on Mars? "Martian
meteorite" is ambiguous...  --Rob"

I guess they would have to call it "Opportunity 001" as it is the closet locality that may be considered a Post Office. It does send and receive messages and images after all ;-)

Best regards,

Greg


----- Original Message ----- From: "Matson, Robert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 2:00 PM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Possible Mars meteorite!


What a coup if this find by Opportunity turns out to be a meteorite!
Even if it isn't a meteorite, the rock looks very interesting -- not
least for being all alone in the middle of nowhere.

If it does in fact turn out to be a meteorite, this would make for an
interesting entry in the Meteoritical Bulletin!  One problem:  no type
specimen submitted.  ;-)  About all that will be known with extreme
accuracy are the latitude and longitude (albeit Martian latitude and
longitude).  Upper and lower bounds on the mass can be estimated from
the dimensions, and after grinding with the RAT and taking some
lose-ups, they should be able to differentiate between iron, chondrite,
achondrite, pallasite, mesosiderite, etc.  If chondrules are visible,
they might even be able to make an educated guess between H/L/LL or
carbonaceous.

One question:  what do we call a meteorite found on Mars?  "Martian
meteorite" is ambiguous...  --Rob
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Dr. Jeffrey N. Grossman       phone: (703) 648-6184
US Geological Survey          fax:   (703) 648-6383
954 National Center
Reston, VA 20192, USA


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