Cosmic Debris: Meteorites in History
John G. Burke
Dec 2023 · Univ of California Press
Ebook
460
Pages
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About this ebook
Cosmic Debris: Meteorites in History offers a comprehensive look into the origins, cultural impacts, and scientific understanding of meteorites, from early skepticism to the transformative discoveries of the last century. With millions of meteoroids entering Earth's atmosphere annually, only a select few survive to become meteorites that make an impact on Earth, often leaving sonic booms, fiery trails, and in rare cases, massive craters. This book sheds light on the intricate categorization of meteorite "falls" (witnessed and promptly collected) versus "finds" (discovered meteorites whose falls went unseen), illustrating the storied history of these celestial objects. As early scientists questioned the possibility of stones falling from the heavens, a gradual but monumental shift in understanding led to the recognition of meteorites as crucial sources of cosmological, astronomical, and geological knowledge.
This volume emphasizes the collaborative evolution of meteoritics, showcasing contributions from mineralogists, astronomers, and other experts who, over time, developed increasingly sophisticated methods for analyzing meteorite composition and origin. Tools like the polarizing microscope, mass spectrometers, and electron microprobes have expanded our insights into these extraterrestrial bodies and their structures. The book also explores the rich folklore surrounding meteorites, revealing how different cultures have interpreted, feared, and revered these remnants of the early Solar System. Despite limitations, the book covers the intricate science of meteorite reentry, impacts, and the challenges faced in preserving these "fallen stars" as symbols of civic pride and scientific curiosity. For readers and researchers alike, Cosmic Debris offers an engaging narrative of humanity's journey to understand meteorites—from ancient lore to modern science.
This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1986.
This volume emphasizes the collaborative evolution of meteoritics, showcasing contributions from mineralogists, astronomers, and other experts who, over time, developed increasingly sophisticated methods for analyzing meteorite composition and origin. Tools like the polarizing microscope, mass spectrometers, and electron microprobes have expanded our insights into these extraterrestrial bodies and their structures. The book also explores the rich folklore surrounding meteorites, revealing how different cultures have interpreted, feared, and revered these remnants of the early Solar System. Despite limitations, the book covers the intricate science of meteorite reentry, impacts, and the challenges faced in preserving these "fallen stars" as symbols of civic pride and scientific curiosity. For readers and researchers alike, Cosmic Debris offers an engaging narrative of humanity's journey to understand meteorites—from ancient lore to modern science.
This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1986.
About the author
Burke John G. : Enter the Author Bio(s) here.
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