Ep 5. Wisconsin Fireball
- December 7, 2010
- 48 min
In the fifth episode of the second season of Meteorite Men, titled Wisconsin Fireball, the dynamic duo of science buffs, Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold, head out to the small town of Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, to investigate a meteorite that had crashed into a farmer's field. The team is excited to investigate this particular meteorite crash because it was caught on camera and was witnessed by many townspeople.
The episode begins with Geoff and Steve arriving in Ashwaubenon and meeting with eyewitnesses to the meteorite crash. They learn that the meteorite was seen to have broken up in the sky, causing it to rain down debris across the farmer's field and surrounding areas. The townspeople describe the meteorite as having a fiery trail behind it as it fell to the ground, creating a spectacular display in the night sky.
Once the team arrive at the farm, they are greeted by the farmer who discovered the meteorite on his property. He describes the moment he found it and how he dug it out of the ground himself, protecting it from being damaged in the process. The Meteorite Men are impressed by the farmer's dedication and care for the meteorite, and they set to work examining it.
The first step in their investigation is to use a metal detector to search the surrounding area for any additional debris that may have broken off during the meteorite's impact. They are excited to find several small pieces of debris and hope they will lead to more substantial finds.
Next, Geoff and Steve begin their detailed examination of the meteorite itself, passing it through several tests to determine its origin and composition. They use a drill tool to take a small sample of the meteorite's surface and examine it under a microscope. This helps them to determine the meteorite's mineralogy, texture, and potential origin in the solar system.
Throughout the episode, the Meteorite Men educate the audience about the significance of meteorite finds, explaining that they can offer clues about the origins of our solar system and provide insights into how our planet was formed. They also explain that meteorites are incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors and scientists alike.
As the investigation progresses, the team attempts to discern whether this meteorite is part of a larger group, known as a meteorite shower. They dissect the meteorite to look for internal fissures, which can indicate that the meteorite was once part of a larger chunk of space rock that broke apart in the sky.
The Meteorite Men also take a trip to the local planetarium to examine footage of the meteorite as it fell through the atmosphere. By analyzing the footage, they can estimate the meteorite's speed, trajectory, and landed location, which assists them in determining how much of the meteorite debris is still buried in the ground.
Ultimately, the team works tirelessly to find as much information about the meteorite as possible, hoping to add to the overall understanding of our solar system's development. The episode concludes with the Meteorite Men's conclusions about the meteorite's composition, origin, and potential place in history.
Overall, the episode is a fascinating look at the science behind meteorite investigations and the dedication required to uncover the secrets of our universe. With their signature blend of scientific know-how and enthusiastic curiosity, Geoff and Steve educate and entertain viewers as they reveal the mysteries of the Wisconsin Fireball.