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Meteorites -- the fragments of space debris that survive their fall to Earth -- have much to tell us. They hold the answers to the complexities of star formation and can explain the earliest events in the birth of the solar system. They also may have brought to Earth the water in the oceans, gases of the atmosphere, and other essential ingredients for the evolution of life. This comprehensive book is an expertly guided look at meteorites. The authors trace the formation and breakup of the planets, asteroids, and comets where meteorites originated, their long journey through space, their fall to Earth, their recovery, and what scientists are learning from them. The book contains a great deal of material about the "84001 Martian meteorite, " which has raised provocative new questions about life on the red planet. Looking forward, the authors chart the exciting new era of planetary, asteroidal, and cometary exploration planned for this century. The 160 color and 70 b&w illustrations that illuminate the text present some of the most stunning examples of these ancient voyagers.
