Feb 9, 202318 min read

Vredefort Dome, Pluto the Dwarf and Shooting Stars

About the Dome

The Vredefort Dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Free State province of South Africa, just a stone throw away from Potchefstroom, and for those that wish to get a sense of distance from Johannesburg, its about 120 kilometres from Johannesburg, so about an hour and a half drive.

The Dome was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, recognising its unique geological and cultural significance. It is the only meteorite impact site on the list and is considered an important site for scientific research into the history of the earth and the formation of the solar system. Unesco states that:

"Vredefort Dome is the oldest, largest, and most deeply eroded complex meteorite impact structure in the world. It is the site of the world’s greatest single, known energy release event. It contains high quality and accessible geological (outcrop) sites which demonstrate a range of geological evidences of a complex meteorite impact structure. The rural and natural landscapes of the serial property help portray the magnitude of the ring structures resulting from the impact. The serial nomination is considered to be a representative sample of a complex meteorite impact structure. A comprehensive comparative analysis with other complex meteorite impact structures demonstrated that it is the only example on earth providing a full geological profile of an astrobleme below the crater floor, thereby enabling research into the genesis and development of an astrobleme immediately post impact"

You can view some photos of the Dome on the UNESCO website here: Vredefort Dome UNESCO Photos

The Vredefort Dome is the largest and oldest known meteorite impact site on Earth, with an estimated age of 2.023 billion years. The impact was so powerful that it caused the earth's crust to deform and fold, forming a dome-shaped structure that is about 300 kilometers in diameter, this dome shaped is now filled with rock formations known as "domal structures.

The Vredefort Dome is managed by the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site Management Authority, which works to preserve and protect the site for future generations. The management authority works closely with local communities, conservation groups, and other stakeholders to ensure that the Vredefort Dome is preserved and protected for future generations.

Can you visit the dome?

Absolutely you can, there are a number of hiking trials, places to stay and things to do in the dome, you can visit this page and search some of the things to do in the dome, as well as this page that we recently found when doing research on the dome

What is a meteorite impact site and how many meteorites have hit earth?

A meteorite impact site is a location on the Earth's surface where a meteorite, a small celestial object made of rock or metal, has struck the earth. Meteorites are formed when small celestial bodies, such as asteroids or comets, collide with each other in space and break into smaller pieces. Some of these pieces can eventually make their way to Earth, where they can impact the surface and create impact sites.

It is estimated that the Earth has been struck by thousands of meteorites over its 4.5 billion year history. Many of these impacts have occurred in the early history of the Earth, when the solar system was still forming and there were more small celestial bodies in the inner solar system.

However, meteorite impacts continue to occur today, although they are much less common due to the fact that most of the small celestial bodies in the inner solar system have been absorbed by the planets or have been pushed out to the outer solar system.

The size and impact of meteorites can vary widely. Some meteorites are very small and do little or no damage upon impact, while others can be much larger and can create significant impact craters or even cause major disasters. The Vredefort Dome, for example, is the result of a massive meteorite impact that occurred over 2 billion years ago and left a deep circular depression that is now filled with rock formations known as "domal structures."

What is a domal structure?

Domal structures are rock formations that are found in some meteorite impact sites. They are created when the shock waves from a meteorite impact cause the Earth's crust to deform and fold, forming a dome-shaped structure.

Domal structures can vary in size and shape, depending on the size and intensity of the meteorite impact that caused them. In general, they are characterised by a circular or oval-shaped depression in the ground, surrounded by raised, folded, or faulted rock layers.

Domal structures are typically made up of a variety of rock types, including sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and igneous rocks. They may also contain fragments of the meteorite itself, as well as other minerals and elements that were present at the time of the impact.

Domal structures are important scientific features because they provide clues about the history of the Earth and the formation of the solar system. They are also of interest to geologists and other researchers because they can provide insights into the processes that shape the Earth's crust and the forces that drive geologic change.

The Vredefort Dome in South Africa is one of the best-known examples of a domal structure. It is the largest and oldest known meteorite impact site on Earth, with an estimated age of 2.023 billion years. The impact was so powerful that it caused the earth's crust to deform and fold, forming a dome-shaped structure that is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) in diameter.

List of other meteorite impact sites of significance in the world

There are many meteorite impact sites around the world that are of scientific and cultural significance. Some of the most well-known include:

The Chicxulub crater in Mexico, which is believed to have been formed by a meteorite impact about 66 million years ago. This impact is thought to have played a role in the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The Barringer crater in Arizona, also known as Meteor Crater, which is the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. The crater is about 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in diameter and was formed about 50,000 years ago by a meteorite impact.
The Ries crater in Germany, which is a large, well-preserved impact crater that was formed about 15 million years ago by a meteorite impact.
The Sudbury Basin in Canada, which is a large impact crater that was formed about 1.85 billion years ago by a meteorite impact.
The Manicouagan crater in Quebec, Canada, which is a large, well-preserved impact crater that was formed about 214 million years ago by a meteorite impact.
The Acraman crater in South Australia, which is a large impact crater that was formed about 580 million years ago by a meteorite impact.
The Morokweng crater in South Africa, which is a large impact crater that was formed about 145 million years ago by a meteorite impact.

These are just a few examples of the many meteorite impact sites around the world that are of scientific and cultural significance. Many more have been discovered in recent years, and it is likely that many more will be discovered in the future as scientists continue to study the history of the Earth and the solar system.

More info on the Morokweng crater

The Morokweng crater is a large meteorite impact site located in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. It is estimated to be about 145 million years old and is one of the largest and best-preserved impact craters in the world.

The Morokweng crater is approximately 80 kilometers in diameter and was formed when a meteorite struck the earth, creating a circular depression in the ground. The impact was so powerful that it caused the earth's crust to deform and fold, forming a dome-shaped structure that is about 20 kilometers in diameter.

The Morokweng crater is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many species of birds and mammals. The area is also home to several important archaeological sites, including the Morokweng-Kopje, a rock art site that is believed to be over 1,000 years old.

The Morokweng crater is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is an important scientific and cultural site that is protected by the South African government. It is also a popular tourist destination, with several visitor centers and guided tours available for those interested in learning more about the crater and its history.

More info about the vredefort-kopje rock art

The Vredefort-Kopje is a rock art site located within the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Free State province of South Africa. It is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is an important cultural and historical site for the local community.

The Vredefort-Kopje is home to a number of rock art paintings and engravings, which are thought to have been created by the San people, a group of indigenous hunter-gatherers who lived in the region for thousands of years. The rock art at the Vredefort-Kopje includes a variety of designs and symbols, including animals, humans, and abstract patterns.

The Vredefort-Kopje is an important cultural site for the local community because it is believed to contain the history and traditions of the San people. It is also an important scientific site because it provides insights into the lives and beliefs of the San people, as well as the history and culture of the region.

What is rock art as found in the vredefort kopje?

Rock art is a type of art that is created by carving or painting designs onto natural rock surfaces. It is a form of artistic expression that has been practiced by many cultures around the world for thousands of years.

What are the odds that earth will again be struck by a major meteorite?

In general, the Earth is relatively unlikely to be struck by a large meteorite, such as one that is over a kilometer in size. This is because there are relatively few large meteorites in the solar system, and the Earth's atmosphere and gravity are effective at protecting the planet from most large impacts.

However, the Earth is more likely to be struck by smaller meteorites, such as those that are a few meters in size or smaller. These meteorites are much more common in the solar system, and some of them are able to make it through the Earth's atmosphere and impact the surface.

It is estimated that the Earth is struck by about 100 tons of meteorites each year. Most of these meteorites are very small and do little or no damage upon impact, but larger meteorites can cause significant damage or even disasters if they strike the Earth.

What defence systems are being implemented to protect earth from meteorite strikes?

There are currently several defence systems in place or being developed to protect the Earth from meteorite strikes. These systems are designed to detect and track incoming meteorites, and to provide early warning of potential impacts. Some of the main defense systems include:

The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) is an international organisation that monitors the orbits of asteroids and comets and works to coordinate the global response to potential asteroid impacts.
The Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is a branch of NASA that is responsible for coordinating the U.S. government's efforts to detect, track, and mitigate potential asteroid impacts.
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is a telescope that is being built in Chile that will be able to detect and track asteroids and comets as they pass through the solar system.
The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is a mission being developed by NASA to test the feasibility of using a spacecraft to deflect an asteroid on a collision course with Earth.
The Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission is a joint project being developed by NASA and the European Space Agency to test the feasibility of deflecting an asteroid using a kinetic impactor.

These are just a few examples of the many defence systems that are being developed to protect the Earth from meteorite strikes. While it is not currently possible to completely protect the Earth from all potential impacts, these systems are helping to increase our understanding of the risks and to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of potential impacts.

What significant meteorites struck earth in the past decade and what was the impact?

There have been several significant meteorite impacts on Earth in the past decade, although most of these impacts have been relatively small and have caused little or no damage. Some examples of significant meteorite impacts in the past decade include:

The Chelyabinsk meteorite, which struck Russia in 2013. This meteorite was about 17 meters (55 feet) in size and exploded in the atmosphere, releasing an estimated 500 kilotons of energy. The explosion caused significant damage to buildings and injured over 1,200 people.
The Boltysh meteorite, which struck Ukraine in 2004. This meteorite was about 20 meters (65 feet) in size and left a large impact crater that is now a popular tourist destination.
The Sutter's Mill meteorite, which struck California in 2012. This meteorite was about the size of a small car and was the largest meteorite to fall on Earth in more than a century. It was recovered in pieces and is now being studied by scientists to learn more about the early solar system.
The Chebarkul meteorite, which struck Russia in 2013. This meteorite was about 20 meters (65 feet) in size and left a large impact crater on the surface. It was one of the largest meteorites to strike Earth in recent years.
The El Reno meteorite, which struck Oklahoma in 2011. This meteorite was about 20 meters (65 feet) in size and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. It was the largest meteorite to strike the United States in over a century.

What is a shooting star?

A shooting star, also known as a meteor, is a bright streak of light that is visible in the night sky when a small piece of space debris enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up. Shooting stars are usually caused by bits of rock or dust that are left over from the formation of the solar system and are orbiting the Sun.

When a piece of space debris enters the Earth's atmosphere, it is moving at a very high speed and is subjected to intense heat and friction. This causes the debris to ignite and burn up, creating a bright streak of light that is visible from the ground.

Shooting stars are usually only visible for a few seconds or minutes, as the space debris burns up quickly as it falls through the atmosphere. They are typically seen in the night sky as a fleeting, bright streak of light that moves across the sky and then disappears.

Shooting stars are a natural phenomenon that have fascinated people for centuries, and they are a common sight in the night sky. Many people enjoy watching for shooting stars and making wishes on them, as they are thought to be a symbol of good luck.

What is a star?

Stars come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colours, and they are classified based on their characteristics, such as their mass, temperature, and luminosity. The most common type of star is the main-sequence star, which is a star that is burning hydrogen in its core and generating energy through the fusion of hydrogen atoms.

Stars are born when clouds of gas and dust collapse under their own gravity, forming a dense, hot core. As the core becomes denser and hotter, nuclear fusion reactions begin to occur, releasing vast amounts of energy in the form of light and heat. This energy is radiated out from the star's surface, making it visible from Earth and other locations in the universe.

Stars are an essential part of the universe, and they play a key role in the evolution and development of galaxies and other celestial objects. They provide light and heat to planets and other objects in their orbit, and they are the source of many of the elements that make up the universe, including carbon, oxygen, and iron.

What is the difference between a star and a meteorite?

A star is a celestial body that is composed of gas, dust, and plasma, and that generates energy through nuclear fusion reactions. Stars are the most luminous objects in the universe, and they are held together by their own gravity. They come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colours, and they are classified based on their characteristics, such as their mass, temperature, and luminosity.

A meteorite, on the other hand, is a piece of space debris that has entered the Earth's atmosphere and has landed on the surface. Meteorites can be made of a variety of materials, including rock, metal, and ice, and they are often fragments of asteroids or comets.

Meteorites are formed when asteroids or comets break up in space and some of their fragments land on Earth. These fragments are subjected to intense heat and friction as they enter the Earth's atmosphere, and they often burn up or vaporise upon impact.

One key difference between a star and a meteorite is that a star is much larger and more massive than a meteorite. Stars are typically hundreds of thousands to millions of times larger than meteorites, and they have much more mass. In addition, stars are self-luminous, while meteorites are not. Meteorites are only visible when they are illuminated by the light of the Sun or another source, while stars emit their own light.

What is an asteroid?

An asteroid is a small, rocky celestial body that orbits the Sun. Asteroids are made up of a variety of materials, including rock, metal, and ice, and they are usually less than 1000 kilometers (620 miles) in diameter.

Asteroids are thought to be remnants of the early solar system that have remained largely unchanged since their formation. They are believed to be made up of the same materials that were present in the solar system when it first formed, making them important scientific specimens for understanding the early history of the solar system.

Asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter that is home to millions of asteroids. They are also found in other parts of the solar system, including the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud.

Asteroids are classified based on their composition and other characteristics, such as their size, shape, and orbit. Some asteroids are made up of metallic materials, while others are made up of rock or a mixture of both. Some asteroids are round, while others are more irregular in shape.

Asteroids are of scientific and practical interest because they can provide valuable insights into the early history of the solar system, and they may contain valuable resources such as water, minerals, and other materials that could be used to support human space exploration.

What is a comet?

A comet is a small, icy celestial body that orbits the Sun and is made up of a mixture of dust and ice. Comets are believed to be remnants of the early solar system, and they are thought to contain materials that have remained largely unchanged since the formation of the solar system.

Comets are typically composed of a mixture of water ice, methane, and other volatile substances, as well as dust and small rocks. They are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" because of their composition.

Comets are usually much smaller than planets and asteroids, and they have a highly elliptical orbit that takes them far from the Sun at their most distant point and brings them close to the Sun at their closest point. As a comet approaches the Sun, the heat and light from the Sun cause the volatile substances in the comet to vaporise, creating a glowing halo around the comet called a coma. The coma can be many thousands of kilometers in diameter, and it is made up of gas and dust that has been released from the comet's nucleus.

Comets are of scientific and practical interest because they are believed to contain valuable information about the early solar system and the conditions that existed when the solar system first formed. They are also of interest because they may contain valuable resources such as water and other materials that could be used to support human space exploration.

Whats the difference between an asteroid and a comet?

Asteroids and comets are both small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, but they have some key differences. Some of the main differences between asteroids and comets include:

Composition: Asteroids are typically made up of rock and metal, while comets are made up of a mixture of ice, dust, and other volatile substances.
Size: Asteroids are usually larger than comets, with most asteroids being less than 1000 kilometers (620 miles) in diameter. Comets, on the other hand, are typically much smaller, with diameters ranging from a few kilometers to a few tens of kilometers.
Orbit: Asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, while comets can be found in a variety of locations throughout the solar system, including the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. Asteroids have relatively stable and circular orbits, while comets have highly elliptical orbits that take them far from the Sun at their most distant point and bring them close to the Sun at their closest point.
Appearance: Asteroids are usually dark and dull in appearance, while comets are often much brighter and more luminous. This is because comets contain volatile substances that vaporize as they approach the Sun, creating a glowing halo around the comet called a coma.
Coma: A coma is a glowing halo around a comet that is made up of gas and dust that has been released from the comet's nucleus. Comas are not present around asteroids because they do not contain the volatile substances that are necessary to create a coma.

Overall, asteroids and comets are two very different types of celestial bodies that have unique characteristics and properties. Understanding the differences between these two types of objects is an important part of studying the solar system and the universe.

What are the different celestial bodies found in space?

There are many different celestial bodies found in space, and they can be classified based on a variety of characteristics, such as size, composition, and location. Some examples of celestial bodies found in space include:

Planets: Planets are large, spherical celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are made up of rock, metal, and other materials. There are eight planets in the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Dwarf planets: Dwarf planets are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are similar in size and composition to planets, but they are not considered to be true planets because they have not cleared their orbits of other celestial debris. Examples of dwarf planets include Pluto, Ceres, and Eris.
Moons: Moons are celestial bodies that orbit planets and are made up of a variety of materials, including rock, metal, and ice. Many planets in the solar system have moons, including Earth, which has one moon.
Asteroids: Asteroids are small, rocky celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are made up of a variety of materials, including rock, metal, and ice. They are usually less than 1000 kilometers (620 miles) in diameter and are found in the asteroid belt, a region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Comets: Comets are small, icy celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are made up of a mixture of dust and ice. They are typically much smaller than asteroids and have a highly elliptical orbit that takes them far from the Sun at their most distant point and brings them close to the Sun at their closest point.
Meteors: Meteors, also known as shooting stars, are small pieces of space debris that enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, creating a bright streak of light in the sky. They are usually caused by bits of rock or dust that are left over from the formation of the solar system and are orbiting the Sun.

Is Pluto not a Planet?

Pluto was once considered to be the ninth planet in the solar system. However, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a "dwarf planet," a new category of celestial bodies that was created at that time.

The IAU defines a planet as a celestial body that orbits the Sun, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its orbit of other celestial debris. According to this definition, Pluto does not meet the criteria to be considered a planet because it has not cleared its orbit of other celestial debris. Instead, it is classified as a "dwarf planet" because it is similar in size and composition to planets but does not meet the full criteria to be considered a planet.

There are currently five known dwarf planets in the solar system: Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Makemake, and Haumea. These celestial bodies are similar to planets in many ways, but they are not considered to be true planets because they have not cleared their orbits of other celestial debris.

It is important to note that the definition of a planet is not a fixed concept and may change as our understanding of the universe evolves. The IAU's definition of a planet has been the subject of much debate and controversy among astronomers and other scientists, and some have argued that Pluto should be reclassified as a planet. However, for now, Pluto is generally considered to be a dwarf planet by the scientific community.

What is meant by clearing of celestial debris when looking at planets?

Clearing celestial debris refers to a celestial body's ability to remove other objects from its orbit. In order to be considered a planet, a celestial body must meet certain criteria, including being spherical in shape and having cleared its orbit of other celestial debris.

Celestial debris refers to any small pieces of rock, dust, or other material that are found in a celestial body's orbit. This can include asteroids, comets, and other small objects.

The requirement for a celestial body to have cleared its orbit of other celestial debris is included in the definition of a planet because it is thought to be a sign of a celestial body's dominance in its orbit. In order to clear its orbit, a celestial body must be large and massive enough to gravitationally dominate its orbit and remove or deflect other objects from its path.

The requirement for a celestial body to have cleared its orbit is one of the main criteria that separates planets from other types of celestial bodies, such as dwarf planets, which have not cleared their orbits of other celestial debris.

How does a planet clear its celestial orbit?

There are several ways in which a planet can clear its orbit of celestial debris. Some of the main mechanisms that can help a planet clear its orbit include:

Gravitational perturbation: This refers to the gravitational influence that a planet has on other celestial bodies in its orbit. A planet that is large and massive enough can perturb the orbits of smaller celestial bodies, causing them to change direction or be ejected from the orbit.
Collisions: A planet can also clear its orbit by colliding with celestial debris and breaking it up into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then be more easily removed from the orbit by the planet's gravitational influence or by other forces.
Deflection: A planet can also clear its orbit by deflecting celestial debris away from its path. This can occur when celestial debris comes into contact with the planet's atmosphere or magnetic field, which can cause it to change direction or be deflected away from the orbit.

What do you think?

We started researching the Vredefort Dome and it opened a whole new world to us, from comets, to stars to dwarf planets, we thoroughly enjoyed it and we learnt a lot, have you been to the dome, if you did what can you tell us that was interesting to you?

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