Event 2: UCLA Meteorite Collection

Meteorite from the Moon

On the 6th of May, I took a visit to the UCLA Meteorite Collection for my second event. I have always been interested in the study of science, but meteorites is a field that I’m not too much familiar with yet. Upon my arrival, I was fascinated by the vast amount of different meteorites that were being exhibited. They come in distinct shapes, weight, size, color, composition, and texture, each being unique amongst the others. In addition, they originate from diverse areas of the solar system, such being from the moon, or even from Mars.

Gibeon Iron Met

I was intrigued by all of the meteorites that were being presented, but there there some special types in particular that caught my attention. The first attraction that I noticed were two large meteorites there were situated in the middle of the exhibit on a table. Judging by their sizes, I would’ve guessed the weight to be close to 150 pounds; however, as I was reading the labels on one of them, the Gibeon Iron Meteorite, which originated from Africa, was 811 pounds! I didn’t give much appreciation to its weight until after I looked closely and felt its metallic texture and saw its luster surface. Next, I came across a collection that was known for their specific shapes - tektite shapes. Apparently, some meteorites that travel though Earth’s atmosphere go through a centrifugal force, which causes it to melt into thin disks and elliptical-shaped pieces. Probably the most special type of meteorite for me was the Esquel pallasite, which had a beautiful crystal texture and glowing appearance. Wanting to learn more about it, I asked one of the workers, and she told me how the meteorite is composed of something called olivine and that is has an extremely slow cooling process, which makes it such a rare meteorite. 

Textile Shapes

Esquel Pallasite

Viewing from an artistic standpoint, I found the different variations of the meteorites very interesting. From this notion, I believe that meteorites are closely related to the topic of “Two Cultures” introduced by C.P. Snow. According to his perspective, he believes that there is a special connection that brings together art and science, and through the increasing use of technology, the gap between them could gradually be bridged together. In the case of meteorites, I believe that by the continual advancement in technological renovation, new scientific discoveries embodying the significance of meteorites, how they came about, and what they are made out of can be produced, ultimately paving a path for artists to appreciate and critique.