Murchison Meteorite Chip: High-Resolution X-ray CT Scan at 7.15 Micron Voxels

The University of Texas High-Resolution X-ray CT Facility (UTCT) produced this X-ray CT scan of a tiny chip from the CM2 Murchison chondrite meteorite (specimen USNM 5487). The scan contains 1615 slices with a voxel size of 7.15 microns in all dimensions, captured on 9 January 2015. Data use requires acknowledgment of UTCT, NASA grant NNX13AO64H, and Dr. Romy Hanna.

Use Cases

• Analyze the 3D internal structure and porosity of the chondrite based on the high-resolution CT slices.
• Segment and classify mineral phases and inclusions within the meteorite sample based on density contrasts visible in the scan.
• Create digital 3D models for visualization and educational purposes based on the volumetric image data.
• Conduct comparative analysis with other meteorite scans to understand CM2 chondrite properties.

Strengths

• High-resolution volumetric data with a consistent voxel size of 7.15 microns in X, Y, and Z dimensions.
• Scan contains 1615 individual slices, providing detailed internal cross-sections.
• Clear provenance from a recognized facility (UTCT) with specific scan date and personnel credited.
• Specific funding acknowledgment (NASA grant NNX13AO64H) provides context for data collection purpose.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality, file formats, and size require manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics and data structure must be inferred after download.
• The dataset represents a single, tiny chip from one meteorite specimen, limiting generalizability.

Provenance

Source

The University of Texas High-Resolution X-ray CT Facility (UTCT)

Collection Method

X-ray CT scanning performed by Jessie Maisano.

Time Range

Scan date: 9 January 2015.

Freshness

Last updated 2024-03-18 07:39:48; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Data likely pertains to a physical specimen held at a collection (USNM 5487), but specific geographic origin of the meteorite is not stated.