Everything is awesome

In the world of cinema the sequel is generally never quite up to the original. Something is lost second time around. So what about space missions? Do the same rules apply? We are about to find out. The legendary NASA Dawn spacecraft is closing in on Ceres, the largest body in the asteroid belt, having…

Chondrules: Big impacts, fast jets and heated discussions

Meteorite scientists are generally a happy, friendly bunch of people. They love nothing better than getting together at meetings and conferences to discuss their latest research results. The mood is always relaxed and laid-back, unless that is, someone brings up the difficult issue of chondrules. Then things can start to get dark and a bit…

Dealers in an Adventure with Scientists

Although most people are probably unaware of it, buying and selling meteorites is big business, very big business. The rules of the market place apply to space rocks, just as they do for any commodity that’s in short supply. And how much is this trade worth? Well, no one really knows for sure, but you…

The virtual beauty of space rocks

Meteorites! What’s all the fuss about? They’re just boring old lumps of rock. Black or grey, rough or smooth, a rock is a rock! Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but meteorites are no ordinary rocks. They are the oldest objects you can handle. Some contain grains that predate our Solar System and…