Event 1: UCLA Meteorite Collection

EVENT 1: UCLA METEORITE COLLECTION

Me (in the blue jacket) and my friends at the collection

On the afternoon of April 16th, 2019, I (pictured with the blue sweatshirt in the back) along with a couple of my other friends, decided to attend the UCLA Meteorite Collection. First off, for the longest time, I had no clue that this intriguing museum even existed. It took a spontaneous discovery, or just a convenient class location, that I finally discovered this whole new world resting inside of the Geology building. When I walked into this exhibit, I immediately became aware of the ancient meteorites that filled the whole room. As I read signs, I slowly found out that this collection of meteorites is the fifth largest within the United States...and it's right at my doorstep! 

Other meteorites in the collection

As I scanned the room, my eye was drawn to the meteorite sitting in the back of the room...its mass paired with the enhanced lighting instantly grabbed my attention. This meteorite, named the "Old Woman Iron Meteorite" is the second largest meteorite from the United States. Then, as I kept reading the information given on the panel, I discovered that this meteorite weighs 2,753 kg - more than 3 tons! 

Old Woman Iron Meteorite

As I continued to make my way throughout the collection, I couldn't help but connect this exhibit to what we discussed in week 1 - Two Cultures. It is clearly evident that the individuals who participated in these discoveries, and the people who were involved with the transportation of the collection, are very scientific minded humans. This collection encompasses the likings of natural scientists, while lacking an artistic approach. In fact, I would count myself as more of a literary intellectual than a natural scientist...and I didn't even know this collection existed. THIS is how separated these two cultures are. However, I believe that a sufficient overlap of these two cultures will help society understand one another more thoroughly or even develop a newfound appreciation for their designated industry. 


Ultimately, I encourage individuals to come seek out this UCLA Meteorite Collection. Not only will you be able to witness some of the largest and oldest meteorites throughout the world, but you are able to learn some interesting facts about these objects that are significantly underestimated. 

References

Dodgson, Lindsay. “These Are The 6 Biggest Meteorites to Ever to Be Found on Earth.”
     ScienceAlert.


Hamilton, Rosanna L. Meteoroids and Meteorites.

“Meteorite Collection.” Specola Vaticana.

“Meteorite Collection.” UCLA, meteorites.ucla.edu/.

“Types of Meteorites.” Natural History Museum.