Debris Field Appears to Start 'Way West of Texas

Lending credence to the theory that Columbia was coming unglued long before the catastrophic breakup over Texas on February 1 is evidence that parts of the space taxi are on the ground, far west of the main debris field (which is near the Texas-Louisiana border).

ANN Reader Nena has sent us the following explanation, after finding suspected debris in her yard in Phoenix (AZ) over a week ago (when she notified NASA):

"NASA engineers came out to my home today.

"Mr Tom Baggett and Mr. Xavier Dominguez (pictured), both from the NASA Facilities in Titusville (FL), reviewed the material I had found. They noted GPS data, snapped photos and bagged all the items.

"They were pleased with the debris, saying that it was very much like other items found in and around Phoenix (AZ), which they believe to be real debris (ashes) from the Columbia. Additionally, they noted that my find was 'in the heart of the debris corridor in Arizona.'

"According to the NASA engineers, the 'Phoenix corridor' is (presently) an area 15 to 20 miles wide (from Buckey Rd. to Thunderbird Rd.), and 40 to 50 miles long (from the White Tank Mountains to Central Phoenix). In aeronautical terms, it would be roughly 112.00.00 to 112.35.00 West, and 33.20.00 to 33.35.00 North.

"I was advised that the materials will be sent for evaluation, and if proven to be debris from the shuttle (which could take up to a month or more), NASA reps would be back out for further investigation, here, and in the area."

Anyone who finds what they think may be part of Columbia debris is asked to mark the site, disturb nothing, and contact NASA. Although earlier cautions of health concerns of those who touched debris have been, so far, exaggerated, the shuttle did contain enough potentially dangerous materiel, that common sense (and respect for science) would dictate leaving everything alone. Additionally, shuttle debris, like the shuttle itself, is government property.

FMI: www.spaceflight.nasa.gov