Rocks from Space: Meteorites and Meteorite Hunters by O. Richard Norton

Explore the fascinating world of meteorites with Rocks from Space: Meteorites and Meteorite Hunters by O. Richard Norton. Written as an approachable, nontechnical introduction, this illustrated guide examines the extraterrestrial rocks that reach Earth and the scientists, collectors, and hunters who search for them.

From meteorite chemistry and classification to asteroids, comets, impact craters, and famous discoveries, Norton brings space science down to Earth with engaging explanations, historical accounts, photographs, illustrations, and cosmic humor. The book is an excellent resource for meteorite hunters, rock collectors, amateur astronomers, students, and anyone curious about material originating beyond our planet.

Explore the Science of Meteorites

Learn how meteorites form, travel through space, survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere, and reach the ground. The book explains the characteristics and classifications that distinguish different types of meteorites while introducing the scientific methods used to study them.

Topics Covered

• Meteorites, meteors, and meteoroids

• Meteorite chemistry and classification

• Stony, iron, and stony-iron meteorites

• Asteroids and comets

• Impact events and craters

• Meteorite falls and finds

• Identifying possible meteorites

• Famous meteorite discoveries

• Meteorite hunters and collectors

• The origins of our solar system

• Lunar and Martian meteorites

• Historic space missions and astronomical events

• Scientific examination of extraterrestrial material

Meet the Meteorite Hunters

In addition to explaining the science, Norton introduces readers to the adventurous world of meteorite hunting. Discover how hunters locate strewn fields, recognize promising specimens, document their finds, and contribute to our understanding of the solar system.

An Illustrated, Accessible Reference

More than 50 photographs, updated illustrations, and expanded appendixes help make complex scientific subjects understandable. Its nontechnical writing style makes the book accessible to casual readers while offering substantial information for serious collectors and meteorite enthusiasts.

Product Features

• Comprehensive introduction to meteorites and meteorite hunting

• Written by meteorite expert O. Richard Norton

• Second edition

• Nontechnical explanations suitable for general readers

• More than 50 photographs and updated illustrations

• Covers meteorite identification and classification

• Explores asteroids, comets, and impact craters

• Includes historical and scientific perspectives

• Expanded appendixes for convenient reference

• Useful for collectors, hunters, students, and educators

Specifications

• Full title: Rocks from Space: Meteorites and Meteorite Hunters

• Author: O. Richard Norton

• Edition: Second edition

• Illustrator: Dorothy S. Norton

• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company

• Format: Paperback

• Page count: 468 pages

• Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches

• ISBN-13: 978-0-87842-373-6

• Subject: Meteorites, astronomy, and earth science

• Language: English

Ideal For

• Meteorite hunters

• Rock and mineral collectors

• Metal detectorists searching for meteorites

• Amateur astronomers

• Geology and earth-science students

• Science teachers and educators

• Museum and planetarium enthusiasts

• Readers interested in asteroids, comets, and space exploration

• Anyone who has wondered how to recognize a genuine rock from space

Whether you are preparing for your first meteorite hunt, building a collection, or simply fascinated by objects from beyond Earth, Rocks from Space provides an informative and entertaining journey into the science and adventure of meteorites.

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.