Mars Meteorite and ‘Ice’ at New Hall

A controversial Martian meteorite found in Antarctica, the Hope Diamond and interactive displays on mines and earthquakes are among highlights of a major 20,000-square-foot Earth sciences hall opening Saturday at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

The Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals, built with $13 million in private funds, is named after the sister of publishing magnate Walter H. Annenberg; she gave $5 million. Some of the items, such as the Hope Diamond, have been exhibited for years at the museum, but about one-third of the objects are new displays. Among the most unusual is the Martian meteorite, which may or may not contain evidence of extraterrestrial life. Information: tel. (202) 357-2700.