We have another visually rich issue this month. Loaded with pictures of meteorites and tektites.

Excitement is building for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. For many of us it is a great get-a-way and opportunity to spend some time with others who share our love of space rocks. I have found myself in a shift of focus over the last several years. I am buying less meteorites and spending more of my energy in a pursuit of meeting people that I only know from email. Tucson formerly was a big time for me to add specimens to my collection. I still get a few pieces mind you, but not like in the past. If you can ever attend the show you will enjoy it. I wish I had experience with notable shows from other countries. I am sure they are just as exciting. It would seems so from the reports offered each year. For the time being it would look like Tucson will have to be it for me.

This month we have a nice article by Stephen Pierce on the Alamo Breccia. I have cut some more impact and tektite glass samples for him. So look for a report on them in the future as he continues his research project on the absorption spectra of glasses.

Stuart Atkinson's novel begins to move into some new areas as Fee and her dad return home to Scotland. If you have not been keeping up with the story you can always read it in the back issues. It is a great story that we are happy to present month by month.

At the beginning of the year let me take this opportunity to thank all our writers and all those many visitors who make this all worth while. We hope you will continue to support our advertisers also for their support is invaluable. May this be a safe and prosperous year for all of you. jpt