Astronomy Fundamentals: What We Can Learn from Impact Craters

Impact craters can be found throughout the solar system. NASA scientists use impact craters and volcanic activity to learn about the process throughout the solar system. By studying craters on Earth, scientists gain knowledge of volcanic landform formation and modification made by impacting bodies. In northern Quebec, Canada, the Clearwater site is actually two craters from a rare binary impact. The site contains one of the best records of impact melt rocks and breccias among impact sites. These clues provide information on Impact Rock Modification. The goal of the research is to understand the nature and formation of impact melts, breccias and effect of volatiles delivered by an impactor. Please Join us for our March fundamentals talk, where we will explore the known impact craters on earth and their characteristics. Their geology and causes will be evaluated as well as the dating of the impacts using Chronological Record research. Our presenter, NAA Club Member Jim Hopkins, will also examine several objects in the solar system and how craters may have formed there. Jim will highlight the physics of crater formation.