[meteorite-list] UV Light

From: Bernd V. Pauli <bernd.pauli_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:54:49 +0000
Message-ID: <DIIE.0000006A00005023_at_10.0.100.101>

Chris inquires: "Do meteorites 'glow' under a UV light?"

I don't know whether meteorites glow under a UV light but I do know
that meteorites glow, i.e. some meteoritic minerals emit light when
exposed to an electrical discharge => luminescence

Herschel was one of the first to observe thermoluminescence (TL),
which is a result of heat stimulation.

Samples irradiated by an electron beam can glow with what is called cathodoluminescence (CL).

A thermoluminescent mineral is usually cathodoluminescent as well.

References:

D.W.G. Sears et al., Thermoluminescence and the Thermal History Of Meteorites.

S.W.S. McKEEVER and D.W. SEARS (1980) Meteorites That Glow
(Sky and Telescope, July 1980, pp. 14-16).

Cheers,

Bernd
Received on Sat 21 Apr 2012 07:54:49 AM PDT