MadSci Network: Astronomy
Query:

Re: WHAT TYPE OF CRATER IS CREATED BY VARIOUS ANGLES OF ASTEROID IMPACTS?

Date: Wed Nov 22 13:30:48 2000
Posted By: Richard Goode, Science Department Chair, Secondary School Teacher Physics, Porterville High School, Porterville CA
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 974421092.As
Message:

D. M. Barringer, who investigated the meteor crater in Arizona, did 
research on this subject. He fired bullets from a rifle into various 
materials at various angles and found that the shape of the crater was 
almost always circular. What did vary was the way the material from the 
crater flew out. The way that ejecta fans out from the crater reveals the 
angle that the meteor impacted the surface. You can check out this web site 
that has pictures of the asteroid Eros. As you look at the craters, you 
will notice that with few exceptions, they are circular.  NEAR Image of the Day
The next web site shows a map of the moon. Again, examine the shape of the 
craters. Also look at the ejecta fans and see if you can determine the 
direction the meteors came from. Moon Map
Now experiment for yourself. The next web site gives the directions for 
making your own craters. You can try several different angles and see for 
yourself, what happens. Remember that the impacts must be high energy. 
These experiments will make a mess so get permission and help from an 
adult.  Make a Crater
Good luck and be careful.





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