Meteorites are heavenly stones or pieces of metal that have flown in from space. In appearance, they are rather inconspicuous: gray, brown or black. But meteorites are the only extraterrestrial substance that can be studied or at least held in your hands. Astronomers use them to learn the history of space objects.
Necessary
Magnet
Instructions
Step 1
On the surface of the meteorite, a film is formed, consisting of melted matter. There is a lot of iron in the composition of space "vagabonds", therefore, being on Earth for a long time, they rust. Real meteorites are not so common.
Step 2
Only some of them reach the surface of the planet, while most burn up in the atmosphere. Those that land safely are often tapered, resembling a spaceship.
Step 3
The simplest, but also the best indicator that a layman can get hold of is a magnet. All heavenly stones contain iron, which is attracted by a magnet. A good option is a horseshoe-shaped item with a four-pound voltage.
Step 4
The slight attraction of the magnet to the found stone cannot serve as a final estimate. And in the stones born in the earth, there are many fossils that are capable of giving such a reaction to an "attractive-repulsive" object.
Step 5
After this initial testing, the possible meteorite should be sent to the laboratory to confirm or deny the authenticity of the find. Sometimes these tests take about a month. Space stones and their earthly brothers consist of the same minerals. They differ only in the concentration, combination and mechanics of the formation of these substances.
Step 6
If you think that you are holding not an iron meteorite, but a stone one, the test with a magnet will be meaningless. Examine it carefully. Rub your find thoroughly, focusing on a small, dime-sized area. In this way, you will make it easier for yourself to explore the stone matrix.
Step 7
Meteorites have small spherical inclusions that resemble the freckle specks of the solar iron. This is a distinctive feature of the "travelers" stones. This effect cannot be produced artificially.
Step 8
These inclusions are from one to eight millimeters in diameter. Large spots are characteristic of stony meteorites called chondrites.
