Meteorite hunters tools and how to use them!
The only thing you need to find a meteorite is knowledge but the stuff below can help you find more, faster, plus the big million dollar meteorites can only be found using metal detectors.
Okay so first we have the meteorite magnet stick, the most basic and most important of all our basic tools. This you will need to make yourself. What you need is a very strong magnet, a light stick that suits you and some good tape.
For the amateur hunter the metal detector can serve to inspect possible visually identified targets quickly eliminating meteorwrongs. The cheaper metal detector will help you verify its metallic contents but the more expensive one will provide an exquisite sound difference in between scrap metal and meteor metal which you can identify quickly with experience. Once you have found a meteorite you will want to map it since where there is one there might be many more or none, but just in case you will want to return to the location to search for more it’s always good to map finds. You'll need a handheld GPS for that. If your hunting for the big one you will want to map the whole strewn field so that you can trace where the main mass of the fall could be. |
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From Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com
Meteorites have been falling to the earth for billions of years. They fall everywhere, all the time; even in your backyard! Finding them is the tricky part though. While meteorites are everywhere, the majority of them are deep underground. As a result, many people use metal detectors when meteorite hunting. Of course, metal detectors can’t aid in the search for stony meteorites, but, they can be of great assistance in locating iron type as well as stony-iron type meteorites.
This summer, in fact, a 13 year old boy from New Mexico found a 2 pound meteorite using a metal detector his grandfather had designed for him! You don’t need a handy grandfather like this lucky kid to get the best meteorite metal detector though. Here to help the rest of us become more successful at metal detecting meteorites is Michael Bernzweig from MetalDetector.com.
You are probably wondering, where can I find a meteorite with a metal detector anyways? Well, the fact of the matter is that Meteorites can be uncovered nearly anywhere on earth. It is a fact that the most typical spots to dig up a meteorite with a metal detector is in a warm and arid dry climate with little rain or moisture. This is true because the primary material that makes up a meteorite that would be located by a detector is nickel and iron. These types of climates help maintain the iron content.
Basically, the features the best meteorite detector will have in common are a medium frequency, a large search coil of fifteen to eighteen inches or greater and a sensitivity for iron and nickel targets; much like the metal detectors used for gold prospecting.
This summer, in fact, a 13 year old boy from New Mexico found a 2 pound meteorite using a metal detector his grandfather had designed for him! You don’t need a handy grandfather like this lucky kid to get the best meteorite metal detector though. Here to help the rest of us become more successful at metal detecting meteorites is Michael Bernzweig from MetalDetector.com.
You are probably wondering, where can I find a meteorite with a metal detector anyways? Well, the fact of the matter is that Meteorites can be uncovered nearly anywhere on earth. It is a fact that the most typical spots to dig up a meteorite with a metal detector is in a warm and arid dry climate with little rain or moisture. This is true because the primary material that makes up a meteorite that would be located by a detector is nickel and iron. These types of climates help maintain the iron content.
Basically, the features the best meteorite detector will have in common are a medium frequency, a large search coil of fifteen to eighteen inches or greater and a sensitivity for iron and nickel targets; much like the metal detectors used for gold prospecting.
Meteorites are typically named for the area where the “fall” occurred. One type of meteorite that you can hope to locate with a metal detector are those made up of iron and nickel. Another common type that you will find is a stony-iron meteorite. These meteorites are comprised of a rocky composition mixed with iron and nickel. A decent metal detector will allow you to locate these two types of meteorites quite easily.
If you’re an expert meteorite hunter or only the best of the best will do, you want the XP DEUS metal detector. XP metal detectors, based in France, is known worldwide for producing the best meteorite metal detectors possible. The XP DEUS is a top of the line, wireless and lightweight model that weighs just 2 pounds. Be sure to read the article entitled “What are the Best Metal Detectors for Finding Meteorites?” for some great tips on picking out the right equipment to get started.
In addition to a good meteorite detector, you’ll also need some accessories before you begin your search. A quality digging tool and shovel will come in very handy. In addition to these digging tools, a good pair of metal detecting headphones will help you zero in on the older, deeper targets. And, you should always go out with a GPS; so you can get back to where you started no matter how far you wander while you’re meteorite hunting.
Finding these pieces of outer space here on earth is exciting and reminds us we’re part of something so much larger than just this planet. Plus, the good ones are actually quite valuable! Enjoy this fun, rewarding hobby even more with the help of a meteorite metal detector. And remember, pack correctly for your adventure, stay safe, and do your site research. Then you’re sure to have an out of this world time while you’re meteorite hunting.
Biography: Michael Bernzweig manages MetalDetector.com in Southborough, MA. He has written extensively on the subject of metal detecting since the mid 1980’s. He has traveled world-wide in his pursuit of educating, exploring and advising others in the proper use of metal detectors. Outside of the business he enjoys mentoring students, being involved in the community and spending time with his family.
Text for Photo: Industry Expert Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com getting ready to go meteorite hunting with the XP DEUS Wireless metal detector.
