News

A meteorite exhibit developed by two faculty members in the Department of Geology at Portland State University will be on public display for the first time beginning July 17, 2004, at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Ore.

The meteorite exhibit showcases 52 meteorites obtained from various parts of the U.S., including Oregon. These meteorites are a part of a larger collection of 200 meteorites, which are on display at PSU's Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory. Through educational display panels, the exhibit allows visitors to learn interesting facts about the origin of meteorites, the different types of meteorites and how to identify and classify them.

The exhibit will be open to the public during regular museum hours from 1-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The admission fee is $ 4.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children six years and older. The museum is located at 26385 NW Groveland Drive, Hillsboro, Ore. For more information about the museum, call 503-647-2418 or visit www.ricenwmuseum.org.

Alex Ruzicka, a research assistant professor and Melinda Hutson, a visiting faculty in the Geology department, developed the meteorite exhibit as a part of a three-year Education and Public Outreach grant from NASA. The grant also supports the development of a Web site on meteorites and a series of activities that can be used by high school and middle school teachers to educate students about meteorites and the solar system. Together Ruzicka and Hutson also established the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory at PSU in spring 2002, which contains a collection of 200 specimens valued over $1 million. Most of the specimens are unclassified and have never been examined before, providing unique opportunities for discovery. The lab supports planetary science research and education at PSU in programs such as the recently approved minor in Space and Planetary Science housed in the Department of Geology.

For more information about the exhibit or the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory, contact Alex Ruzicka at 503-725-3372. Members of the media interested in attending the exhibit opening on July 17, 2004 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. should contact Jane Guariniello, Rice Museum director, at 503-332-0659.

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