James Madison University Meteorite Collection - Harrisonburg, Virginia - Rock and Mineral Displays on Waymarking.com

A meteorite collection is on display in Miller Hall lobby outside the John C. Wells Planetarium on the James Madison University campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was started in 2002 as a teaching aid for astronomy classes and has grown to include specimens from the Moon, Mars, and the asteroid 4-Vesta among other known solar system objects. One of the university's two large iron meteorites is on display at this location: The 644-pound Nantan meteorite found in 1958 in Guangxi, China. A pair of glass-fronted cases beside it show smaller examples with write-ups. The information accompanying the Nantan meteorite reads:

Name: Nantan
Type: Iron
Class: IIICD (IAB-MG) Medium Octahedrite.
Weight: 644 pounds (292 kg)
Find/Fall: Find 1958, Guangxi, China
Total Known Weight: 9500 Kilograms

Remarks: A meteorite shower comprising at least 19 individual specimens distributed over 30 square km. This sample is one of the first recovered from the strewn field. Unlike other samples that were found in water-saturated soils, this sample was found on a hill side and was well-drained. Therefore, this sample is well-preserved and retains its original regmaglyphs on its surface that were caused by its fiery entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Many other specimens from this strewn field are found rusty and weathered and don't retain their original condition.

From the JMU Department of Physics & Astronomy Meteorite Collection web page:
"Everyone is encouraged to visit the meteorites at either location* for a self-guided tour. The buildings are usually open during business hours unless there is a holiday. Note: The JMU meteorite collection staff does not certify, authenticate, or render any judgments on samples that individuals may possess. The JMU meteorite collection is maintained as a teaching and research resource that serves both the JMU community as well as the general public."

* The other part of the collection is in the lobby of the Physics/Chemistry building located on Carrier drive.

Type of Display: Other Significance

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