SAASST Hosts Seminar On Meteorite Science Featuring Leading Experts And Research Insights

The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST) at the University of Sharjah recently organised a seminar titled "In Search of Meteorites: From Antarctic Ice to Desert Sands." This event gathered experts and researchers in planetary and meteorite sciences from both the UAE and other countries. The seminar aimed to enhance scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing in meteorite studies.

Maryam Sharif, who leads SAASST’s meteorite laboratory, opened the seminar by welcoming attendees. She emphasised the seminar's role in advancing the academy’s mission of promoting scientific exchange. According to Sharif, studying meteorites is crucial for understanding how the solar system originated and evolved. The laboratory boasts an impressive collection of about 8,000 meteorite fragments and impact rocks, one of the largest in the region.

This extensive collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers and students alike. It facilitates detailed scientific analysis while also raising public awareness about meteorites and space debris. Such studies are essential for gaining insights into our solar system's history and development.

Dr Ludovic Ferrière, Curator of Geology and Meteorites at Abu Dhabi's Natural History Museum, presented on "What Are Meteorites and What Can We Learn from Them?" He discussed their nature, classification, and significance in understanding planetary formation. Dr Ferrière also highlighted challenges in preserving meteorites in hot climates and stressed the need for national programs focused on their collection and preservation.

Dr Ioannis Baziotis from the Agricultural University of Athens shared his experiences with NASA’s Antarctic Search for Meteorites program. His talk, "Searching for the Building Blocks of Our Solar System in Antarctica with the ANSMET Expedition," detailed over four decades of specimen collection from Antarctica. The continent's harsh cold preserves meteorites well, making them ideal for study.

During these expeditions, various types and classifications of meteorites have been recovered. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of celestial bodies' formation processes. Dr Baziotis explained that Antarctica's stable ice conditions help maintain meteorites in near-original states, which is beneficial for scientific research.

The seminar underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing meteorite science. By bringing together experts from different regions, SAASST aims to foster a collaborative environment that enhances our understanding of space phenomena. Such initiatives are vital for expanding our knowledge about the universe.

With inputs from WAM