[meteorite-list] Martian Meteorite Heat Ablation?

[Chris Peterson]

But Mars does have an atmosphere. Its surface air density is about the 
same as Earth's at a height of 31 km, and far more than the density in 
the region of Earth's atmosphere where we typically see meteors.

Presumably, meteors begin burning somewhat lower on Mars, and have a 
greater chance of reaching the surface. But meteoroids certainly ablate 
as they pass through the Martian atmosphere. On Mars, it really is 
likely that a meteorite might be hot when it lands!

BTW, meteors have been recorded by cameras on Mars.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Groetz" <mpg444 at yahoo.com>
To: "Meteorite List" <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 10:59 AM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Martian Meteorite Heat Ablation?


> Hi Everyone-
>   Assuming Mars does not have an atmosphere and the
> pitting in this rover photo of a meteorite on Mars is
> from heat ablation...
>
> http://www.space.com/php/multimedia/imagedisplay/img_display.php?pic=h_opportunity_rock0120_1_02.jpg&cap=Instruments+on+the+Opportunity+Mars+rover+were+used+to+determine+that+the+object+was+a+meteorite.+Image+Credit%3A+NASA%2FJPL
>
>   Would this be possible without an atmosphere?
> Take care, stay cool.
> Thank you
> Mike