[meteorite-list] "Fractal" Etch In New East African Iron

[ks1u]

John and Dawn:

     Thanks for sharing that amazing photo with us.  Although I have never 
seen this structure in a meteorite, this type of "fractal"  is quite common 
in nature and the physical world.  Typically these patterns can be generated 
with a simple formula, called the Mandelbrot Set, by the expression:

                                           Z       =  Z  (2/n)  + C
                                             (n+1)

Any search engine will yield  numerous sites dedicated to the Mandelbrot 
Set.  In fact PBS did a special on it with Arthur Clarke as the host, a few 
years ago.  Seemingly unrelated phenomenon such as tree patterns, animal 
structures, and the patterns one gets when applying pressure to your closed 
eyes can be described by this formula and its iterations.  If you decide to 
do a "search" on the net for Mandelbrot, be prepared to spend an hour or so 
being amazed ,it's that addictive!.

George