JMU MC: About


NAVIGATION ABOUT COLLECTION METEORITES CONTACT LINKS HOME	About The Collection Here you can find a brief history of the James Madison University Meteorite Collection. Currently, we display approximately 80% of our meteorites for the curious public, reserving the other 20% for student and visitor research. Our meteorites currently represent a large cross-section of available types of meteorites from across the world, and provide viewers with an insight onto the formation of our solar system. Special Programs Students and general public welcome to view the collection at any time. Access to the Collection for purposes of research, analysis, and study arranged on an individual basis (some tools provided). Special viewings, programs, and tours available for clubs, organizations, and school groups. For more information regarding available and scheduled activities, please contact Professor William Alexander by e-mail at [e-mail address]. The History The James Madison University Meteorite Collection was originally housed in Miller Hall in a cabinet outside of the Planetarium. Professor William Alexander became first curator of the collection, which consisted of approximately a dozen meteorites, including fragments of a meteorite from the Moon and a meteorite from Mars. He expanded the collection through loans of his personal meteorite collection until 2005. In 2005, the Meteorite Collection moved to its new home in a display case on the second floor of the Physics/Chemistry Building. The collection almost tripled in size, expanding the varieties of meteorites available for study and adding some visually impressive meteorites of the iron and stony iron types. The Meteorite Collection currently provides thin-slice samples of most of its display meteorites for study and research purposes. Students involved in JMU’s Astronomy program help to care for the collection, and also regularly identify unclassified meteorites. Professor William Alexander is acting curator.
		Department of Physics MSC 4502 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA 22807-7702 PHONE : (540) 568-6109 FAX : (540) 568-2800