HARRISONBURG, VA (James Madison University) — The James Madison University Mineral Museum will open the Richard F. West Meteorite Collection at 5 p.m. on Friday at JMU’s Festival Conference and Student Center.

This collection spans a range of meteorite types, from primitive materials reflecting the solar system’s origins to pieces showcasing the evolution of planets and asteroids. Visitors will also find rare glass formed by energy released by meteorite impacts and a locally significant meteorite fragment uncovered in Augusta County, near Staunton, in 1859.

Museum visitors will be able to view the collection beginning Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1-4 p.m.

Media interested in attending should RSVP by Nov. 7.

Parking for the event is available in the C12, D3 and R4 Ballard Deck.