Space Nomads: Meteorites in Sky, Field, and Laboratory

"Space Nomads: Meteorites in Sky, Field, and Laboratory" by Lincoln LaPaz and Jean LaPaz is a scientific publication written in the early 1960s. The work serves as an introduction to the field of meteoritics, exploring the significance of meteorites and their implications for understanding the cosmos. The authors aim to engage readers in the study of these celestial bodies, emphasizing their status as tangible links to the universe beyond Earth. The opening of the book describes a significant meteorite event in Eastern Siberia on February 12, 1947, detailing the reactions of local villagers and the environment upon the meteorite's descent. A brilliant fireball was witnessed, resulting in widespread destruction, with various eyewitness testimonies captured as scientists later organized search expeditions. The narrative conveys a vivid sense of urgency and excitement surrounding the meteorite's fall, setting the tone for the broader discussions on meteorites, their classification, recovery, and the scientific investigations that follow such events throughout the book.