Sharjah: The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST) at the University of Sharjah has hosted a research seminar titled ‘In Search of Meteorites: From Antarctic Ice to Desert Sands,’ bringing together a distinguished group of experts and researchers in planetary and meteorite sciences from the UAE and abroad.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event opened with Maryam Sharif, head of the SAASST’s meteorite laboratory, welcoming participants and emphasizing the importance of the seminar as part of the academy’s mission to foster scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange in meteorite studies. Sharif highlighted that these studies are crucial for understanding the origins and evolution of the solar system. She pointed out that the laboratory houses a vast collection of around 8,000 meteorite fragments and impact rocks, which is one of the largest in the region. This collection serves as an important resource for researchers and students, allowing for in-depth scientific analysis and promoting public awareness of meteorites and space debris.
Dr. Ludovic Ferri¨re, Curator of Geology and Meteorites at the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi, presented a talk titled ‘What Are Meteorites and What Can We Learn from Them?’. He explored the nature, classification, and scientific value of meteorites in the study of the formation of different planets and other celestial bodies. He addressed the challenges of preserving meteorites in hot and humid climates and stressed the need for national programs dedicated to their collection, preservation, and documentation in research institutions.
Dr. Ioannis Baziotis, Associate Professor at the Agricultural University of Athens, shared insights from his experience in a talk titled ‘Searching for the Building Blocks of Our Solar System in Antarctica with the ANSMET Expedition.’ He discussed his work with NASA’s long-running Antarctic Search for Meteorites program, which has been collecting specimens from the continent for over four decades. Baziotis explained that the harsh cold and stable ice conditions preserve meteorites in near-pristine condition, making them ideal for scientific examination. He also outlined the various types and classifications of meteorites recovered during these expeditions.
