[meteorite-list] Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer museum marks anniversary of Paragould Metorite

From: Greg Stanley <stanleygregr_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:26:13 -0800
Message-ID: <SNT117-W156366E4DBE1B34D7E2A6BD2400_at_phx.gbl>

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Something of Interest.

Greg S.


http://www.piggotttimes.com/story/1613641.html



Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer museum marks anniversary of Paragould Metorite
Thursday, February 25, 2010

By TIM BLAIR


Kenneth Renshaw of Piggott, a Solar System Ambassador with NASA, gives his presentation on the Paragould Meteorite Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum. The event coincided with the 80th anniversary of the impact of the famous meteorite west of Paragould in 1930.


The Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center hosted a presentation by local astronomer Kenneth Renshaw Wednesday, Feb. 17. The occasion was the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the Paragould Meteorite.

Renshaw, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, gave a power point presentation on the famous meteorite. He also showed those on hand for the presentation a small piece of the meteorite itself, the bulk of which is on display in the University of Arkansas library at Fayetteville.

"The meteorite actually fell in three parts in the early morning hours of Feb. 17, 1930," Renshaw told those on hand. "The two large pieces were recovered west of Paragould, around the Finch community, but the third and smaller piece was never recovered."

Renshaw explained that the largest piece, which weighed around 820 pounds, was at the time the largest stone meteorite ever recovered. "It still stands as the fourth largest stony meteorite in the world after all these years," Renshaw added.

The second piece recovered weighed about 73 pounds and also fell to the earth around 4 that morning, awakening residents and causing a cattle stampede along Crowleys' Ridge west of Paragould.

Portions of the famous meteorite are now on display in institutions around the world, including a small portion on loan from Renshaw to the local museum. During last week's presentation Renshaw also displayed pieces of meteorite material from both the moon and Mars.

Renshaw has served as an ambassador with NASA since 2004, and his profile is available on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory home page at www2.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/profiles/Kenneth_Renshaw.htm

The Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center in Piggott boasts one of the world's finest collections of gems and minerals, along with an extensive collection of Native American artifacts. Those wanting more information may call 870-598-3228.
? Copyright 2010 Piggott Times
                                               
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Received on Thu 25 Feb 2010 02:26:13 PM PST