[meteorite-list] Another Amusing Piece of Journalism

[Notkin]

Dear Listees:

I don't think this one has been posted yet? This is much better than  
the 1,500 pounds of Barney Rubble story. And I thought there were a lot  
of mistakes in that one!  : )

http://www.newstrib.com/main.asp? 
SectionID=1&ArticleID=20930&SubSectionID=60


The article goes on an on about this "meteorite hunter"  -- a Mr.  
Kerchner -- quotes him repeatedly, but the guy hasn't ever found a  
meteorite. He "found a rock he though might be a meteorite."

My favorites:

"Meteorites are classified into three distinct groups — stony,  
iron-and-nickel and stony-iron. Stony meteorites are primarily made of  
rock. Iron-and-nickel are made mostly of iron with some nickel, and  
stony-iron are made up of equal parts stone and iron"

So . . . what you're saying is that iron and nickel meteorites are made  
of iron and nickel?

And:

"Also, the high metal content in many cause them to be magnetic,  
according to Kerchner. But some Earth rocks can be magnetic as well and  
some meteorites are not magnetic."

"The most common meteorites, called chondrites, are relatively  
inexpensive, but asteroid-based meteorites can sell for hundreds of  
dollars per gram."

Where do the non asteroid-based meteorites come from?


And no disrespect to Randy Korotev who is also quoted in the article,  
and runs a very good meteorite info website.


Such fine journalism. Anyway, hopefully good for a smile on a Saturday  
afternoon   : )



Regards,

Geoff N.
www.aerolite.org