9 Feb 2014 :
Twelve months ago, publication of the 29 Dec 2012 POLONNARUWA METEORITE preliminary analysis resulted in a global furor. The rapid release of the first (of five) academic papers triggered criticism of the paper’s scientific analysis methods . The first paper was criticized by some who argued the contamination question had not been sufficiently addressed. Some even questioned whether the rock would be accepted as a meteorite by the British and International bodies.
Over the next four months, four more in depth academic papers reported the detailed analysis which provided evidence for the early claims. A later paper in December 2013 from Dr. Jamie Wallis looked at the rocks as geological objects. His paper is being used to register the rock as a proven meteorite with the British and Irish Meteorite Society and then the International Meteoritic Society.
8 Dec 2013 (Peak of Taurid Shower): The ANURADHAPURA METEORITE
A second incident happened in Sri Lanka just 2 months ago – just twelve months after the POLONNARUWA METEORITE. This second meteorite incident is now known as the ANURADHAPURA meteorite fall. This was witnessed on 8 Dec 2013 at the peak of the Taurid Shower – Taurid’s are the debris of Encke’s comet.
The Anuradhapura meteorites, were examined at Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) who specialize in Nanotechnology research. Equipment used included a Hitachi SU6600 Analytical Variable Pressure FE-SEM. Hitachi SU 6600 is a versatile SEM allowing observation of a wide range of materials at high resolution. The following image shows SLINTEC and a sample of the structures that were found, many being deeply interwoven and intertwined into the rock matrix, evidence consistent with the position that they are not contaminants. Note that the Anuradhapura meteorites (like the Polonnaruwa meteorites) do not resemble any terrestrial stone that could have lain anywhere near the recovery location.
The preliminary paper discussing the early analysis results is available by clicking here.
