Share the evening with a visiting meteorite expert, and learn all about these fascinating rocks from space. Well over 100 “worlds” are sampled in our meteorite collections, including rocks from the Moon, Mars, the asteroid Vesta, and even comets. Many of these rocks come from deep within their parent bodies, displaying features unseen in Earth rocks. But how do we know where they came from, and how did they get here? Why are they so important—and so expensive? These questions and others will be addressed, and a variety of meteorites will be on display for public inspection. Maybe you have a meteorite—bring it along, and find out whether it's a meteorite or a “meteorwrong!”

Additionally, the latest results from the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn will be discussed. The numerous moons of Saturn compose a miniature solar system, and its largest moon, Titan, even appears to have an ocean and an atmosphere. The very first results from this 4-year mission should be stunning and will no doubt leave scientists with more questions than answers.

After a brief overview of meteorites and the Saturn mission, the floor will be open to the audience to raise questions, discuss issues, and look at space rocks!

We’ll take a look at the various types of severe and inclement weather that affect south central Texas, including tornadoes, hail, flash flooding, and damaging thunderstorm winds. In addition, weather safety rules will be discussed, along with how well the general public understands those safety rules.

A question-and-answer session will conclude the session.

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