Studying meteorites with ESA astronauts

Provide astronauts with the basic knowledge to read in the rocks of the evolutionary history of the Earth and the Solar System...

“Taking Astronauts to other Planets. On Earth”

Provide astronauts with the basic knowledge to read in the rocks of the evolutionary history of the Earth and the Solar System is the purpose of PANGAEA, first geology course organized by ESA for astronauts. Develop the ability to identify, describe the rocks with the correct language and interpret the geological characteristics in the field are fundamental for future planetary explorers. Anna Maria Fioretti, of our Institute, has taken care of the section on extraterrestrial rocks, illustrating the evolution of the Solar System through the features of primitive and evolved meteorites coming from asteroids, Mars and the Moon.