”They came from Outer Space”
Resource type
Presentation
Creator (person)
Davidson, Peter
Abstract
Peter’s talk for this evening was about meteorites and related objects. These complex natural objects appear in the sky from time-to-time streaking across the heavens as a fireball or bolide. Sometimes they strike the surface of the planet often unnoticed, but just occasionally causing a massive explosion and resultant crater. Other explode in the air before impact causing a lot of damage but no crater.
They are normally divided into three main groups – stony, iron and stony-iron in allusion to
their composition. The talk discussed these, and many other topics related to our extra-terrestrial visitors. Highlighting the talk with pieces from the collection – although many are unfortunately on display and unavailable.
Peter Davidson is the Senior Curator of Mineralogy at the National Museums Scotland. He is also responsible for the meteorite collection which, though small, has some important pieces. Peter began his career in 1975 and will shortly retire on 30th April this year after over 48½ years. (He took up the responsibility for meteorites when the previous curator retired and he took on the role)
Event title
Scottish Gemmological Association Live Meeting
Official URL
Related URL
Rights statement
In Copyright