Event 2 - The UCLA Meteorite Collection

          I visited the UCLA Meteorite Collection for the first time on May 10. Having had several classes in the Geology Building, I have passed by this gallery on my daily en route to class, but I never actually entered inside to view the collection of meteorites from close-up. Having said that, I found it very intriguing to find out that this collection of meteorites is the largest on the West Coast and the fifth largest in the United States, and it is located right here on campus, open and free to the public (UCLA Meteorite Collection). 

"Old Woman iron meteorite."

(photo © by Mariana Mkrttchyan)

          The collection opened my mind to the unlimited number of possibilities in which the sciences and arts are interconnected through the medium of space. While looking through the gallery and having C.P. Snow's idea of "Two Cultures" at the back of my mind, this collection of meteorites reinforced my understanding of just how a field of study like geology, the science that focuses on the earth's physical features, can have an artistic side to it. Specifically, the collection had a piece titled "Old Woman iron meteorite," the second largest meteorite from the United States, weighing at 177.4 pounds. I found this meteorite to be very interesting, not only because of its size and aesthetic appeal, but because it resembled a sculpture that would be placed as a piece at an art gallery.

"Back-Lit Pallasites from the Schlazer Collection."

(photo © by Mariana Mkrttchyan)

          My attention was also drawn to the case containing the "back-lit pallasites from the Schlazer Collection." Adding a backlight gave the pallasites an artistic touch and reminded me of how artists today are also playing around with different lighting technologies to enhance their artworks. This goes to show that science, technology, and art surely are intertwined and end up producing remarkable and educational ideas when combined all together. Being that we have been given the opportunity to visit the Meteorite Collection right here on campus, I would definitely recommend you visit this gallery and learn more about meteorites and their history. Ultimately, this experience has inspired and given me some great ideas for my final project. 

Me with a 357 pound Iron Meteorite from

 Canyon Diablo, Coconino County, Arizona.

(photo © by Mariana Mkrttchyan)

Sources:

UCLA Meteorite Collection, https://meteorites.ucla.edu/.