Rocks from Space: Meteorites and Meteorite Hunters

by O. Richard Norton, Kathleen Ort (Editor), Dorothy Sigler Norton (Illustrator)

This popular nontechnical introduction to the fascinating world of meteorites, asteroids, comets, and impact craters is now even better! With more than 50 new photographs and updated illustrations, new and expanded appendixes, and some fun cosmic humor, Rocks from Space, Second Edition , journeys into the last frontier for close-up looks at the latest astronomical discoveries. Relive the thrill of seeing Comet Hale-Bopp as it streaked through the dark sky. Watch Pathfinder bump its way across the surface of Mars--while you ponder whether life really exists on the red planet. View photos of the impact scar--twice the size of Earth-where Comet Shoemaker/Levy collided with Jupiter. And learn the latest on meteorite chemistry and classification.

Genres: Science, Astronomy

447 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing overview of meteor / meteorite science written by what was one of the top experts in the field (he has since passed away). Focusing on descriptive science for the layman, yet providing deep details on the astronomical, geological, historical and social aspects of meteors, Norton's coverage is highly comprehensive and does delve into some of the science as well. He also talks about the K-T boundary, extinctions and other similar topics. A long read - but it was rewarding. (I happened to find an autographed copy of this book with a dedication to his friend)

Remarkably, I happened to see a fireball a few weeks back while reading it and was able to utilize his advice on how to triangulate sightings from MN, IA and ND to where the meteor may have fallen in central MN based on other reports from the American Meteor Society - an example that brought the book to life.

[Sable · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an excellent guide for the amateur meteorite hunter; where they come from, where to find them, how to recognize them when you see them, and how the science and geology work. It details the major meteor showers and when they happen, explains the astrophysical forces that drive them, and details the different ways that meteorites fall into our atmosphere and what happens once they do. It's full of photos, diagrams and maps. It wasn't what I was looking for when I picked it up, because I was looking for information on asteroids and this was only peripherally related to asteroids, but if you're looking for information on meteorites from an earthbound enthusiast's perspective, this is perfect. My one criticism is that the information on astrophysics is a bit outdated because this book was written in the late 90s, but you would be surprised how little that matters in regards to our contact with meteorites on Earth.