[meteorite-list] NPA 03-26-1969 Battelle Scientists Probe's Allende Meteorite

[MARK BOSTICK]

Paper: Tri City Herald
City: Pasco, Washington
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 1969
Page: 24

Battelle Scientists Probe Meteorite's Solar Secrets

     Battelle-Northwest scientists are studying a meteorite that fell to 
earth in early February.
     The scientists expect the findings will provide information on the 
history of meteorites in the solar system.
     The meteorite fragment, part of a meteoric "shower" which occurred Feb. 
8 near the village of Pueblito de Allende in northern Mexico, was recovered 
by the U.S. National Museum and sent to Battelle.
     The studies are being supported in part by the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration (NASA).
     Battelle is using nondestructive testing techniques to measure trace 
amounts of cosmic-ray produced radioactivity.
     The same equipment, developed by Battelle, will be used to study the 
first materials returned from the moon's surface under a Battelle contract 
with NASA.
     The fragment, which broke in two when it hit the earth, weighs about 
four pounds and is roughly six inches long and four inches in diameter.
     It has an internal appearance similar to dark granite and has a coarse, 
granular structure that indicates cooling occurred over a long period. The 
exterior is virtually covered with a dark fusion crust, brought about by its 
heated passage through the earth's atmosphere.
     R.W. Perkins, research associate heading up the study, said meteorites 
which reach the earth are rarely located and picked up rapidly after their 
fall, as happened this time.
     He said when the precise date of fall is know a meteorite's 
radioactivity content is measured quickly, both recent and long-term cosmic 
ray exposure can be estimated. Such measurements provide an important basis 
for a meteorite's orbital path and history.
     Perkins explained the radioactivity in a meteorite is produced during 
its exposure in space to solar protons form the sun and galactic protons 
from deep within the galaxy.
    Early acquisition is essential if short-lived radionuclides are to be 
measured to provide an indication in space during the final weeks of the 
meteorite's space life.
     Perkins and Dr. Louis Rancitelli, principal co-investigator are 
measuring a dozen radioactive isotopes present in the meteorite in 
detectable amounts.
     He said the importance of the project is increased because the study of 
lunar materials is only a few months away.
     The meteorite provides material of similar composition and radiation 
exposure expected to be brought back from the moon.

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