Derek Sears

Bay Area Environmental Research Institute/NASA Ames Research Center/University of Arkansas

 

 

 

 

SEMARKONA

 

One technique used heavily in our studies is cathodo-luminescence, looking at the meteorite section under the microscope as it is bombarded with electrons (cathode rays). The mineralogy and the trace and minor element chemistry affect the cathodolumin-escence of the grains, so one is effectively seeing composition and mineralogy, as well as structure. The images are also very beautiful.

2003JE002198-A09

Cathodoluminescence view of the Semarkona meteorite (about one centimeter across) showing various components.