[meteorite-list] Experts Skeptical of Peruvian Meteorite Impact

[Ron Baalke]

> 

> Why would someone from JPL be interviewed about meteorites?  I respect Ron 

> Baalke, who I believe is a software engineer and probably knows more about 

> meteorites then anyone , but JPL has nothing to do with meteorites.  They 

> are tasked with the responsibility of planning and administering solar 

> system exploration via robotic missions.

> Maybe I am wrong.  Is there a group at JPL/Caltech who studies meteorites? 

> Ron?


I've been interviewed about meteorites before.  Often times, when the 
press contacts JPL on anything meteorite-related, they get referred to me.
I haven't though talked to any reporters regarding Peru.  
JPL is primarily engineering-based, building unmanned spacecraft that
are sent to various places in the Solar System.  There are about
5,200 people at JPL.  There is a science section at JPL, which numbers
about 150 people, and some of those scientists have done meteorite research.

Ron Baalke