Meteorite Identification (xkcd, funny)

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around the xkcd comic titled "Meteorite Identification," which humorously presents a flowchart for identifying meteorites. The flowchart, accessible via a link to the source, includes a notable node stating that if someone witnessed the meteorite's fall, it is classified as "Not a meteorite." Participants discuss the absence of a "no" option in the flowchart, emphasizing its comedic intent. The discussion highlights the interplay between humor and scientific inquiry in identifying meteorites.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of meteorite classification criteria
  • Familiarity with flowchart design and interpretation
  • Basic knowledge of xkcd comics and their thematic humor
  • Awareness of meteorite identification resources, such as the checklist from Washington University
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the Washington University meteorite identification checklist
  • Research the scientific criteria for classifying meteorites
  • Analyze other xkcd comics that incorporate scientific themes
  • Investigate the humor in scientific communication and its impact on public understanding
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for science enthusiasts, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of humor and science, particularly in the context of meteorite identification.

collinsmark
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Today's xkcd:

Meteorite[/PLAIN] Identification
meteorite_identification.png
[Source: http://www.xkcd.com/1723/]

Clicking on the image gives you a link to an actual flowchart:

Self-Test Check-List
{image does not support hot-linking, so I removed direct link to flowchart. Click on source to get there.}
[Source: http://meteorites.wustl.edu/check-list.htm]

Note that the node, "Did someone see it fall," "Yes" points to "Not a meteorite." This is not a mistake. Ha! o0) :biggrin:

[Edit: the actual flowchart image might not display correctly in this thread, but if you click on the xkcd image or the provided source link, you can get to it that way.]
 
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collinsmark said:
Note that the node, "Did someone see it fall," "Yes" points to "Not a meteorite."
And there is no "no" answer.
 
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mfb said:
And there is no "no" answer.

o_O Where at? I don't see an optional 'no' arrow for that question.
 
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Fervent Freyja said:
o_O Where at? I don't see an optional 'no' arrow for that question.
That's what I meant. From "Did someone see it fall?", there is just an outgoing "yes" answer.
 
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