posted 03-23-2007 07:08 PM            

How did a rock from the Moon land on earth?

The Moon is constantly being bombarded with debris from space. This debris impacts the lunar surface with an average speed of 7 km a second! Because the moon has no atmosphere and extremely low gravity, large impacts eject lunar material (moon rocks) out into space. Some of this material is eventually captured by Earth’s gravity and enters the atmosphere as a meteor. Material large enough to survive this fiery passage lands on Earth as a meteorite.

How do we know that a meteorite is really from the Moon?

This material has been classified by scientists at universities and institutions who specialize in meteorite classification. During this rigorous classification process, isotopes and noble gases found in these meteorites are charted and matched with a parent body in our solar system. In this case, the unique isotopes and gases of this meteorite match that of the moon. Just as no two cars are exactly alike (even the same models have differences); these bodies are unique. Scientists are also able to compare these meteorites from material brought back during the Apollo moon missions. After a classification has been agreed upon, the meteorite is assigned a name or number and is published in the Meteoritical Bulletin and immediately recognized worldwide.

Where was this lunar meteorite found?

This meteorite was found in the Sahara Desert in 2006 by meteorite hunters. This meteorite was classified by Dr. Irving and Dr. Korotev of the Planetary Sciences Division and given an ID: NWA-4483, which stands for Northwest Africa 4483. NWA-4483 is currently under study at the University of Washington and Northern Arizona University. It total known weight was a mere 208 grams, which were found on the desert floor in larger fragments.

Why is this meteorite so small?

This is a small cut fragment of a larger, individual lunar meteorite. Because lunar meteorites are so rare and expensive (tens of thousands of dollars), it is more practical to sell small pieces that collectors and enthusiasts can afford and enjoy.

posted 03-26-2007 10:30 AM               

Thanks.

posted 03-26-2007 04:59 PM            

On a separate note, I will be offering new Mars meteorite presentations soon. This material is even rarer than Lunar meteorites, but will be offered at the same price. The quantities on these presentations will be much more limited, so if you are interested in reserving one, please contact me privately. The presentation will be similar in the same size box and the same size specimen. They will have a Mars themed background.

More info to come...

posted 03-29-2007 07:07 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by zee_aladdin:
got my moon meteorite ... very nice ... by the way Mike, how did you obtain these specimens if we may ask ??

Thanx,
Zee

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The meteorite was originally purchased by investors/meteorite dealers in Germany. After classification was published, a smaller fragment of the meteorite was used to make these samples. I purchase the display fragments from them.

Lunar meteorites can be found on several meteorite dealer's page, but they are usually too large and out of the average collectors budget range (hundreds to thousands of dollars.) These presentations are a way for more people to enjoy one of the rarest types of meteorites without taking a loan against the house. They are also a gateway into the hobby. For some, the first meteorite is the begining of a lifetime hobby.

posted 04-03-2007 09:16 AM               

I received mine when I returned home from a weekend trip. Very nicely presented and larger than I thought that it would be! Thank you!