Nevada Meteorite Picture of the Day

Explanation: The third meteorite found in Nevada is the Hot Springs Meteorite found less than 10 miles southeast of Bradys Hot Springs, Churchill County. It too weighed about 10 pounds and was discovered by a dirt biker.

Hot Springs:

39°40'N 118°58'W
Churchill County, Nevada, USA
Found 1995, March 8
Iron, medium octahedrite (IIIAB)
A mass of 4.7 kg was found by Mr. F. Keiper, who had been dirt biking in a steep canyon.
Description and classification (D. A. Kring, UAz; J.T. Wasson, UCLA): bulk composition, 7.77 wt.% Ni, 18.2 ppm Ga, 4.66 ppm As, 0.716 ppm Au; bandwidth 0.97 mm; well-preserved fusion crust and little weathering.
Specimens: main mass, UNR; type specimen, 61.6 g, ASU; 57 g, UCLA; 21.7 g, SI.

[References: Grossman, Jeffery N. (1997), "Meteorites to appear in The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 81, 1997 July"]

This meteorite is on loan from the MacKay School of Mines, UNR, to the Fleischmann Planetarium for long-term display. What with the University wanting to remove this Planetarium in order to expand upon the nearby football stadium, meteorites such as this one (on loan for display purposes) are at risk of having to be returned to their owners. This same problem exists for many of the smaller museums and planetariums across this country.
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is located just 1-1/2 miles north of downtown Reno on the University of Nevada, Reno campus next to the Stadium. They offer planetarium star shows, SkyDome large-format films, an astronomical museum and exhibits, a free public observatory, plus more.
When in Reno, make plans to visit the Hall of the Solar System at the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. You'll see a collection of meteorites including the first four ever recovered in the state of Nevada