Cut Meteorite Identification Pictures

Meteorites are rocks from space that have fallen to Earth, and identifying them requires a keen eye for detail. One such meteorite is NWA11474, which I am fortunate enough to own a small slice of (photo above). But how can we determine that this rock comes from the moon?

To see the exotic origin of this rock is a peculiar exercise. It's not just a matter of looking at the rock and saying 'oh, it looks like the moon.' No, it takes some knowledge of what to look for. For instance, the texture and composition of the rock can give away its extraterrestrial origins.

Take a close look at the pictures below. The first two images show two sides of a slice of lunar meteorite NWA11474. As you can see, the rock has a unique texture that is unlike anything found on Earth. It's not just the shape or color of the rock that sets it apart – it's the way it was formed.

The picture in the middle is not a meteorite at all, but rather a terrestrial rock that looks similar for comparison. As you can see, there are distinct differences between the two rocks. The lunar meteorite has a much more porous and fragmented texture than the terrestrial rock.

But why do these meteorites come from the moon? And how do they differ from other types of meteorites, such as chondrites or irons?

Well, the answer lies in the way that the moon was formed. About 4.5 billion years ago, a massive collision between Earth and another large object called Theia caused debris to be thrown into orbit around our planet. This debris eventually coalesced to form the moon.

Over time, the moon's surface has been bombarded by asteroids and comets, causing it to become covered in craters and other geological features. When a piece of the moon breaks off and falls to Earth, it is called a meteorite.

Lunar meteorites like NWA11474 are relatively rare because they come from such a small and distant celestial body. But for those who are interested in space rocks, they can be incredibly valuable and fascinating to study.

So there you have it – cut meteorite identification pictures that show the unique characteristics of a lunar meteorite. Whether or not you're an expert in geology or space exploration, these rocks are sure to fascinate and inspire anyone with an interest in the wonders of the universe.

Cut meteorite identification pictures