[meteorite-list] Meteorite Doubting Thomas

[Chris Peterson]

Skepticism is a very good thing; it should never be seen as negative. 
Reports of meteorite falls, in particular, should always be viewed 
skeptically. We all know that the vast majority of reports are false, 
and that the majority of geologists and astronomers (typically, the 
first ones found by media) are not competent to determine if something 
is meteoritic. This event in particular has many elements which don't 
agree well with what would be expected.

Skepticism isn't the same as saying this crater isn't meteoritic, it's 
saying that more evidence needs to be presented before that can be 
concluded. Asking questions about the details is important.

Chris

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


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <cdtucson at comcast.net>
To: "Michael Farmer" <meteoriteguy at yahoo.com>; "Chris Peterson" 
<clp at alumni.caltech.edu>; <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2007 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Meteorite Doubting Thomas


Hello list,
I don't understand all of the skepticism. This is an important historic 
event. Why is it being viewed with blinders on?
Does anyone have a copy they can post of Robert Haag's "Field Guide To 
Meteorites".1991 or 1997 edition,  page 36.
This describes the Murchison Carbonaceous Chondrite fall of 1969 as 
having a terrible smell of what he descibes as "rubbing alcohol and 
ether.
Also of note is that that fall was huge and may be the source of the 
water in crater.
The water mentioned in the news reports  as boiling may have been a 
chemical reaction and or heat generated by the impact itself.
Big energy events cause big amounts of heat.
There are no rocks out yet because Mike has not gotten there yet.
There are reports of rocks found which contain iron metal. That would be 
a sign of a possible Carbonaceous chondrite.
If Bob Haag says a quick sniff was " nearly enough to put him under", 
then with lengthy exposure why would it not make you sick. The smell is 
real. there are people there that are sick and the smell came from the 
meteorite. Just ask Bob. Too bad he does not post here.
Lastly why would you insult the scientists in Peru? Couldn't most anyone 
recognize a rock full of virgin iron metal as a meteorite?
Folks There are so many rules people apply to meteorites that have been 
broken that we need to step back and try to see things in a better light 
because I think there is still more that we can learn. We don't know 
everything yet.
Carl