Micrometeorite NMM 2024 is a porphyritic olivine (PO-type) micrometeorite measuring approximately 0.3 mm. It is vesicular, with chunks of nickel-iron, nickel oxide, and possibly some chromites on the glassy surface. If you look closely, you will see the remains of iridescent Newton rings around the edges of the broken gas vesicles.
Some time ago, we observed that Newton rings are often located exactly at the thinnest spot of a vesicle. In this case, the vesicles were broken as volatiles expanded during the micrometeorite’s descent to Earth. However, NMM 3369, another micrometeorite from our collection, has numerous vesicles that are intact. I would highly recommend going to take a look.
It is truly a delight to share my new discoveries. To me, fresh micrometeorites prove a constant source of astonishment. I hope you agree!
Thanks for being here and, as always, if you have questions, please connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Yours truly,
Jon Larsen
