A meteorite is a natural object originating in space that has survived its fiery transit through Earth’s atmosphere to land on the surface. These fragments of rock or metal come from celestial bodies like asteroids, comets, or even Mars and the Moon. A genuine space rock provides scientists with invaluable, ancient material from the formation of the solar system.
How to Conduct a Preliminary Identification
The first step in determining if your find is a true meteorite is to perform a few simple, non-destructive physical checks. Most meteorites, particularly the common stony chondrites, contain metallic iron and nickel, meaning they should exhibit a noticeable attraction to a common magnet. This metallic content also gives them a high density, which means a meteorite will feel much heavier than a terrestrial rock of a similar size.
Examine the rock’s exterior for a feature called a fusion crust, a thin, dark, often matte or glassy coating created when the surface melts from intense atmospheric friction. This crust forms when the object’s outer layer is heated and rapidly cools upon descent. Underneath this crust, the interior of a stony meteorite often looks distinctly different, ranging from light gray to black. The interior may also contain tiny, spherical structures called chondrules.
The surface may also display shallow, thumbprint-like indentations known as regmaglypts, which are caused by ablation—the removal of surface material by intense heat and air pressure during atmospheric flight. When testing for magnetism, remember that some Earth rocks, such as those rich in magnetite, are also magnetic. A conclusive sign that your rock is not a meteorite is the presence of bubbles or vesicles, which are common in volcanic rocks and slag but are nearly absent in space rocks.
Proper Handling and Documentation of the Find
After a preliminary identification suggests the object might be extraterrestrial, the next steps focus on preserving its scientific integrity. Do not clean the specimen; avoid washing it, scrubbing it, or applying any chemicals, as this can destroy subtle evidence and accelerate degradation. The fusion crust and any pristine surfaces are delicate and contain information about its passage through space and the atmosphere.
Handle the object as little as possible with your bare hands to prevent contamination from skin oils, which can lead to rust and introduce terrestrial microbes. The preferred method is to use clean gloves, tongs, or to pick up the suspected meteorite with a fresh piece of aluminum foil or a clean plastic bag. This measure is especially important for carbonaceous meteorites, which can contain scientifically valuable organic compounds.
Immediately document the location and circumstances of the find, using a GPS device or smartphone application to record precise coordinates. Note the date, time, and environment, such as whether it was found on the surface, partially buried, or in a stream bed. Taking high-quality photographs from multiple angles and with a reference object for scale, like a ruler or coin, is necessary to preserve the context of the discovery.
The specimen should be stored in a dry, safe environment to prevent further weathering. Placing the object in a sealed container, such as a zip-lock bag, protects it from atmospheric moisture. If possible, include a desiccant package to absorb humidity, minimizing the risk of oxidation and rust.
The Process of Official Verification
Once the object is safely stored and fully documented, the formal process of verification can begin. The best places to seek professional confirmation are university geology or planetary science departments, natural history museums, or recognized meteorite societies. These institutions often have curators or scientists who specialize in the analysis and classification of extraterrestrial material.
Initial contact typically involves submitting the photographs and location data recorded during documentation. If the initial review suggests the find is promising, the institution or specialist lab will request a physical sample for testing. This submission generally does not require the entire specimen; a small fragment, usually about 10 to 20 grams, is sufficient for analysis.
The ultimate confirmation of extraterrestrial origin relies on specialized laboratory analysis, not just visual inspection. This testing includes petrography to study the internal mineral structure and chemical analysis to determine the elemental and isotopic composition. Scientists look for specific markers, such as unique isotopic ratios or the presence of nickel-iron metal, which are distinct from terrestrial rocks.
The verification process often takes several months, as labs may have a significant backlog of samples requiring analysis. If the rock is confirmed as a new meteorite, the details of the find and its classification are submitted to the Meteoritical Society for official naming and inclusion in the international database. This formal registration ensures the discovery is recognized by the global scientific community.
Understanding Ownership and Scientific Value
The question of who owns a confirmed meteorite depends entirely on where the find occurred, as ownership laws are not uniform globally. In many places, including the United States, the legal principle derived from English common law dictates that a meteorite belongs to the owner of the land upon which it was discovered. This means a find on private property is typically the property of the landowner.
Finds on public, state, or federal land can be subject to more complex regulations, with some jurisdictions claiming the meteorite as government property. Countries like Denmark and India, for instance, legally classify meteorites as state property due to their unique scientific importance. Regardless of who retains the physical object, the find should be reported to ensure the data is not lost.
The greatest value of a new meteorite is the information it contributes to science, far outweighing any commercial or personal value. These samples are time capsules from the earliest days of the solar system, providing insight into planetary formation, impact dynamics, and the distribution of elements. Proper documentation and registration ensure researchers can access the data, maximizing the contribution a single space rock makes to understanding the cosmos.