ASU Center for Meteorite StudiesBefore making the trip down to Tucson from Phoenix I visited Arizona State University to check out their meteorite displays
Date: 01/01/2000
Before making the trip down to Tucson from Phoenix I visited Arizona State University to check out their meteorite displays
Russ Finney in the ASU meteorite display roomWhen we got to the display room Carleton Moore greeted us and then explained the background and history of many of the specimens we were viewing - he personally was involved with the acquisition of many of the famous ASU meteorites!
Date: 01/01/2000
When we got to the display room Carleton Moore greeted us and then explained the background and history of many of the specimens we were viewing - he personally was involved with the acquisition of many of the famous ASU meteorites!
Historical ASU meteorite displaysThese cases plus the others on the opposite side of the room were full of a wide assortment of important and historical meteorites - I took my time and photographed each one for the EOM - see a few of my sample photos below
Date: 01/01/2000
These cases plus the others on the opposite side of the room were full of a wide assortment of important and historical meteorites - I took my time and photographed each one for the EOM - see a few of my sample photos below
Ensisheim - Fell in 1492 - FranceThis historic specimen was once a part of the C.U. Shepard collection (1804-1886) which was obtained by ASU in 1980 from Amherst College
Date: 01/01/2000
This historic specimen was once a part of the C.U. Shepard collection (1804-1886) which was obtained by ASU in 1980 from Amherst College
L'Aigle - Fell in 1803 - FranceThis historic specimen was also once a part of the C.U. Shepard collection - the various painted collection numbers show some real history for this stone
Date: 01/01/2000
This historic specimen was also once a part of the C.U. Shepard collection - the various painted collection numbers show some real history for this stone
Weston - Fell in 1807 - USAThis third amazing historic specimen was also once a part of the C.U. Shepard collection - see all of my "ASUC" photos posted on the Encyclopedia of Meteorites
Date: 01/01/2000
This third amazing historic specimen was also once a part of the C.U. Shepard collection - see all of my "ASUC" photos posted on the Encyclopedia of Meteorites
Said Haddany from MoroccoAfter reaching Tucson my first stop was to visit Said's room to see what was left - most of the bigger dealers visit him early in the show to puchase rare NWA stones for resale - most of those are out of my price range anyway
Date: 01/01/2000
After reaching Tucson my first stop was to visit Said's room to see what was left - most of the bigger dealers visit him early in the show to puchase rare NWA stones for resale - most of those are out of my price range anyway
Said shows one of this year's best available Tucson treasuresI don't remember the price - but the size alone made it too expensive for me - not to mention the added value from the incredible crust
Date: 01/01/2000
I don't remember the price - but the size alone made it too expensive for me - not to mention the added value from the incredible crust
A closer look at the amazing stoneA lot of other collectors and dealers were in the room when I arrived - this stone was the highlight of the conversations - I don't know if anyone actually purchased it - but some negotiations were going on
Date: 01/01/2000
A lot of other collectors and dealers were in the room when I arrived - this stone was the highlight of the conversations - I don't know if anyone actually purchased it - but some negotiations were going on
Said's possible MartianThe next thing Said showed the group was this possible Martian meteorite - the stone was a thing of beauty with a dark smooth crust
Date: 01/01/2000
The next thing Said showed the group was this possible Martian meteorite - the stone was a thing of beauty with a dark smooth crust
Possible Martian - bottom viewThe reverse side of the stone gave more clues as to the classification of the stone - most everyone agreed that it probably was a Martian - but to be honest I'm really not that good at guessing a meteorite type from the outside
Date: 01/01/2000
The reverse side of the stone gave more clues as to the classification of the stone - most everyone agreed that it probably was a Martian - but to be honest I'm really not that good at guessing a meteorite type from the outside
Wold CottageMy first acquisition of the show was a surprise gift from Mike Bandli - a small membrane box with both a fragment of Wold Cottage from the Schwade collection and a fragment of the brick monument from Rob Elliott - Thanks again Mike!
Date: 02/09/2011
My first acquisition of the show was a surprise gift from Mike Bandli - a small membrane box with both a fragment of Wold Cottage from the Schwade collection and a fragment of the brick monument from Rob Elliott - Thanks again Mike!
NWA xxx - 75 and 40 gramsBefore leaving Said's room I cherry picked four smaller dark crusted unclassified NWA meteorites for a pretty good price - but a little more expensive than last year
Date: 02/10/2011
Before leaving Said's room I cherry picked four smaller dark crusted unclassified NWA meteorites for a pretty good price - but a little more expensive than last year
NWA xxx - 36 and 32 gramsThe smaller ones I bought I'm pretty confident are simply orginary chondrites - not so rare - but they have that classic meteorite appearance which makes them a bit more valuable
Date: 02/10/2011
The smaller ones I bought I'm pretty confident are simply orginary chondrites - not so rare - but they have that classic meteorite appearance which makes them a bit more valuable
NWA xxx - 250 gramsSaid convinced me to go ahead and buy this quarter kilo stone with a rich dark crust and a square like shape - it reminded me of the form and color of some famous historical stones - but at about one percent of the price!
Date: 02/10/2011
Said convinced me to go ahead and buy this quarter kilo stone with a rich dark crust and a square like shape - it reminded me of the form and color of some famous historical stones - but at about one percent of the price!
Vaca Muerta - 50 gramsThis great little pile of rocks is actually small fragments of the Vaca Muerta meteorite that I purchased from Thomas Davidsson while I was still exploring the dealer rooms at the Ramada
Date: 02/10/2011
This great little pile of rocks is actually small fragments of the Vaca Muerta meteorite that I purchased from Thomas Davidsson while I was still exploring the dealer rooms at the Ramada
San Juan xxx - found on Meteorite MenDuring the Chile episode of Meteorite Men - there is a big moment when Steve Arnold slams on the breaks of his truck while searching the desert - he rushes out and finds this big, oriented meteorite and he starts jumping and yelling
Date: 01/01/2000
During the Chile episode of Meteorite Men - there is a big moment when Steve Arnold slams on the breaks of his truck while searching the desert - he rushes out and finds this big, oriented meteorite and he starts jumping and yelling
San Juan xxx - 9.9 gramsWhen I got to Geoff Notkin's room - there was the fantastic San Juan meteorite from the show, Steve Arnold himself, and a couple of available slices - I quickly bought the first one ever sold - great timing and a good collection piece
Date: 02/10/2011
When I got to Geoff Notkin's room - there was the fantastic San Juan meteorite from the show, Steve Arnold himself, and a couple of available slices - I quickly bought the first one ever sold - great timing and a good collection piece
Patrick and Edwin ThompsonMy next stop was E.T. Meteorites and both father and son were in the room - or should I say the museum - because that was the quality of their offerings - I took some pictures and then bought a few from the "affordable" box
Date: 01/01/2000
My next stop was E.T. Meteorites and both father and son were in the room - or should I say the museum - because that was the quality of their offerings - I took some pictures and then bought a few from the "affordable" box
D'OrbignyThis was the first time I have ever had the chance to see the main mass of this famous angrite in person - a simple photo is really not capable of capturing the beauty and complexity of this amazing stone
Date: 01/01/2000
This was the first time I have ever had the chance to see the main mass of this famous angrite in person - a simple photo is really not capable of capturing the beauty and complexity of this amazing stone
PasamonteAn outstanding fully crusted 75.89 gram Pasamonte individual from the Smithsonian - I didn't see a price and I was afraid to ask
Date: 02/10/2011
An outstanding fully crusted 75.89 gram Pasamonte individual from the Smithsonian - I didn't see a price and I was afraid to ask
BerthoudThe Colorado eucrite that fell in October 2004 - the original stone weighed only 960 grams - it has been tough to obtain a specimen of this one - it is still not in my collection - but it was still nice to see the stone up close
Date: 02/10/2011
The Colorado eucrite that fell in October 2004 - the original stone weighed only 960 grams - it has been tough to obtain a specimen of this one - it is still not in my collection - but it was still nice to see the stone up close
Morrow CountyThis 40 pound Oregon meteorite was found in 1999 but identified years later - the slices that have already been removed is all that will ever hit the collectors market - this main mass will go on permanent display
Date: 02/10/2011
This 40 pound Oregon meteorite was found in 1999 but identified years later - the slices that have already been removed is all that will ever hit the collectors market - this main mass will go on permanent display
Klamath FallsThis iron meteorite was found in 1952 and confirmed by Harvey Nininger as a meteorite - it was later acquired by the University of New Mexico - pieces of it have since made their way into other institutions and private collections
Date: 02/10/2011
This iron meteorite was found in 1952 and confirmed by Harvey Nininger as a meteorite - it was later acquired by the University of New Mexico - pieces of it have since made their way into other institutions and private collections
Unclassified LunarAn extremely nice - basically uncut - lunar meteorite waiting for published classification - if I'm ever in Northwest Africa walking around in the desert and I find a stone that looks like this - I'm keeping it...
Date: 01/01/2000
An extremely nice - basically uncut - lunar meteorite waiting for published classification - if I'm ever in Northwest Africa walking around in the desert and I find a stone that looks like this - I'm keeping it...
NWA 788 - 39.5 gramsI picked up a couple of new specimens in the Thompson's meteorite room - the first was this really wonderful cut individual of NWA 788 - the photo doesn't really show the excellent preparation of this stone - it is a real keeper
Date: 02/10/2011
I picked up a couple of new specimens in the Thompson's meteorite room - the first was this really wonderful cut individual of NWA 788 - the photo doesn't really show the excellent preparation of this stone - it is a real keeper
Homestead - 1.7 gramsI also picked up this additional piece of Homestead which is an important US historical meteorite from the 1800s - these are getting increasingly difficult to find
Date: 02/10/2011
I also picked up this additional piece of Homestead which is an important US historical meteorite from the 1800s - these are getting increasingly difficult to find
Don EdwardsFellow Texan Don Edwards was at the show this year in his usual hang-outs - Don is a very organized collector who has accumulated one of the largest private reference collections in the world - I have some of his past specimens
Date: 01/01/2000
Fellow Texan Don Edwards was at the show this year in his usual hang-outs - Don is a very organized collector who has accumulated one of the largest private reference collections in the world - I have some of his past specimens
Speaking of Texas...One of the Texas meteorites I do not have yet is Glen Rose - I don't think I can get this slice ($4,500) until after I win the Texas lottery - a nice slice from the Monnig collection and worth every penny - just a photo of the cards
Date: 01/01/2000
One of the Texas meteorites I do not have yet is Glen Rose - I don't think I can get this slice ($4,500) until after I win the Texas lottery - a nice slice from the Monnig collection and worth every penny - just a photo of the cards
Millbillillie - Ultra Thin SliceDuring one of my visits to Blaine Reed's room at the Ramada I spotted some interesting ultra-thin slices of various meteorites - when I say thin I mean paper thin as in don't sneeze - I bought several including this Millbillillie
Date: 02/10/2011
During one of my visits to Blaine Reed's room at the Ramada I spotted some interesting ultra-thin slices of various meteorites - when I say thin I mean paper thin as in don't sneeze - I bought several including this Millbillillie
Kunashak - Ultra Thin SliceAnother one from Blaine Reed - a classic Russian L6 ...
Date: 02/10/2011
Another one from Blaine Reed - a classic Russian L6 ...
NWA 1774 - Ultra Thin Slice... and another - this slice really shows the distinct R3.8-6 features ...
Date: 02/10/2011
... and another - this slice really shows the distinct R3.8-6 features ...
Dhofar 007 - Ultra Thin Slice... and the last one is one of my favorite eucrites
Date: 02/10/2011
... and the last one is one of my favorite eucrites
Meteorite Display - Room 184Question: How many meteorite dealers can fit into one room? Answer: Four - Karl, Farmer, Strope, and Olson - what a great assortment of over the top expensive meteorites - if you ever come to Tucson you must visit this room!
Date: 01/01/2000
Question: How many meteorite dealers can fit into one room? Answer: Four - Karl, Farmer, Strope, and Olson - what a great assortment of over the top expensive meteorites - if you ever come to Tucson you must visit this room!
Andrew Abraham and Russ FinneyPosing for a quick picture with all of those incredible stones
Date: 01/01/2000
Posing for a quick picture with all of those incredible stones
Meteorite DisplayA closer look at one of the many display cabinets - it really is too much to comprehend in one quick visit
Date: 01/01/2000
A closer look at one of the many display cabinets - it really is too much to comprehend in one quick visit
Vaca Muerta and Oum RokbaYes - I bought more Vaca Muerta - but this one was a pretty good slice that Eric Olson had displayed - I really liked the great surface area of the specimen - the Oum Rokba is unclassified - but it does have that very cool name
Date: 02/10/2011
Yes - I bought more Vaca Muerta - but this one was a pretty good slice that Eric Olson had displayed - I really liked the great surface area of the specimen - the Oum Rokba is unclassified - but it does have that very cool name
Visiting the Jenkerson's RoomA whole bunch of us arrived at Keith and Dana'a room at the same time - Jim Shorten, Dave Gheesling, Gary Fujihara, John Humphries, Russ Finney, and Keith Jenkerson - great meteorites for sale here as well
Date: 02/04/2011
A whole bunch of us arrived at Keith and Dana'a room at the same time - Jim Shorten, Dave Gheesling, Gary Fujihara, John Humphries, Russ Finney, and Keith Jenkerson - great meteorites for sale here as well
Juancheng - 13 gramsI bought these three crusted Juancheng individuals from Frederic Stephan - they all originally came from Martin Horejsi's collection and they say "Bakesale" on the cards
Date: 02/10/2011
I bought these three crusted Juancheng individuals from Frederic Stephan - they all originally came from Martin Horejsi's collection and they say "Bakesale" on the cards
Harvey NiningerA nice photo that was on display at ASU of Harvey in the field with a metal detector
Date: 02/11/2011
A nice photo that was on display at ASU of Harvey in the field with a metal detector
Ozona - 24.3 gramsI obtained this second specimen from Frederic Stephan of a real Texas treasure - it is an end cut of Ozona from the JM DuPont Collection which was obtained from Harvey Nininger - interestingly Harvey's name is misspelled as "NINNINGER"
Date: 02/11/2011
I obtained this second specimen from Frederic Stephan of a real Texas treasure - it is an end cut of Ozona from the JM DuPont Collection which was obtained from Harvey Nininger - interestingly Harvey's name is misspelled as "NINNINGER"
Ozona - 24.3 gramsThe specimen card lists the find date as 1929 and the received date into the collection as 1939 - Harvey would have been about 52 years old when he sold this Ozona Texas end cut
Date: 02/11/2011
The specimen card lists the find date as 1929 and the received date into the collection as 1939 - Harvey would have been about 52 years old when he sold this Ozona Texas end cut
Sonny Clary, Brix, and Russ FinneyLater in the day I went over to the Inn Suites and I ran into Sonny ("Dry Lake Bed" episode of Meteorite Men) and Brix (trained meteorite finding dog) - nice orange tree behind us to the left and Jason sneaking up in the center
Date: 02/11/2011
Later in the day I went over to the Inn Suites and I ran into Sonny ("Dry Lake Bed" episode of Meteorite Men) and Brix (trained meteorite finding dog) - nice orange tree behind us to the left and Jason sneaking up in the center
Cindy and John HawkinsonI met my friends Cindy (who is a geologist) and John (who is a technologist like me) and we went up to Geoff Notkin and Anne Black's rooms to explore the wide assortment of meteorites
Date: 01/01/2000
I met my friends Cindy (who is a geologist) and John (who is a technologist like me) and we went up to Geoff Notkin and Anne Black's rooms to explore the wide assortment of meteorites
Anne Black and Russ FinneyAnne popped out to say hello and we took this picture - I did purchase a total of five stones from Anne's various offerings
Date: 01/01/2000
Anne popped out to say hello and we took this picture - I did purchase a total of five stones from Anne's various offerings
Potter - 5.255 gramsThis purchase from Anne was a significant weight and surface feature upgrade for me of this well-known Nebraska L6 meteorite
Date: 02/14/2011
This purchase from Anne was a significant weight and surface feature upgrade for me of this well-known Nebraska L6 meteorite
Bledsoe - 3.57 gramsThis second purchase was another good weight upgrade for me of a slightly less common Texas H4 (I pretty much upgrade my Texas specimens any chance I get)
Date: 02/14/2011
This second purchase was another good weight upgrade for me of a slightly less common Texas H4 (I pretty much upgrade my Texas specimens any chance I get)
Ness County (1894)My third purchase is a new meteorite addition to the collection which is an L6 from Kansas - anything that was found in the 1800s I consider to be historic so it appealed to me that much more
Date: 02/14/2011
My third purchase is a new meteorite addition to the collection which is an L6 from Kansas - anything that was found in the 1800s I consider to be historic so it appealed to me that much more
Lake Labyrinth - .94 gramsI have a long history of not being able to acquire this Australian - the last time I tried it got lost in shipping from Europe - I have also missed a few auction chances - so when I saw it in Anne's room I picked it up and never let go
Date: 02/14/2011
I have a long history of not being able to acquire this Australian - the last time I tried it got lost in shipping from Europe - I have also missed a few auction chances - so when I saw it in Anne's room I picked it up and never let go
Anne Black's RoomThis was pretty much the typical scene in Anne's room throughout the show - she had much more space this year so she had many more offerings to study and ponder - I did a lot of that - studying and pondering
Date: 01/01/2000
This was pretty much the typical scene in Anne's room throughout the show - she had much more space this year so she had many more offerings to study and ponder - I did a lot of that - studying and pondering
Eduardo Jawerbaum, Linton Rohr, and Russ FinneyYou can't tell in this picture but I am holding a Briscoe specimen (from Texas) that I just snatched from the case to the right - it is sooooo much better than my current Briscoe pieces - Anne gave me a good price to buy it
Date: 01/01/2000
You can't tell in this picture but I am holding a Briscoe specimen (from Texas) that I just snatched from the case to the right - it is sooooo much better than my current Briscoe pieces - Anne gave me a good price to buy it
Briscoe - 22.2 gramsThis wonderful L5 slice is from a Texas meteorite which fell in the 1940s - obtaining this slice was a significant collection upgrade since Texas stones are a primary focus for me - very sharp contrasts in this specimen!
Date: 01/01/2000
This wonderful L5 slice is from a Texas meteorite which fell in the 1940s - obtaining this slice was a significant collection upgrade since Texas stones are a primary focus for me - very sharp contrasts in this specimen!
Lunars and more LunarsIt does not get any better than this - some of the Lunar slices in the photo: NWA 2995, Dar al Gani 400, and NWA 482 - these are big, generous, feature-filled slices which look just like a moon rock should look and cost the same
Date: 02/11/2011
It does not get any better than this - some of the Lunar slices in the photo: NWA 2995, Dar al Gani 400, and NWA 482 - these are big, generous, feature-filled slices which look just like a moon rock should look and cost the same
Mind blowing displayWhat can I say? - a display case full of stuff that many of us just dream about - and it is all for sale and immediate delivery - that's why we all show up in Tucson - room after room with these displays
Date: 01/01/2000
What can I say? - a display case full of stuff that many of us just dream about - and it is all for sale and immediate delivery - that's why we all show up in Tucson - room after room with these displays
Segowlie - .024 gramsAnother one I purchased from Frederic Stephan - Segowlie is a super-rare historical meteorite which fell in India in 1853 - it is classified as an LL6
Date: 02/17/2011
Another one I purchased from Frederic Stephan - Segowlie is a super-rare historical meteorite which fell in India in 1853 - it is classified as an LL6
Dealer Line-upAfter looking at their breath taking displays I lined up with Eric, Moritz, and Jim for a photo - the sun was setting as you can tell - it's was time to head on out to Geoff and Steve's Birthday Bash!
Date: 02/11/2011
After looking at their breath taking displays I lined up with Eric, Moritz, and Jim for a photo - the sun was setting as you can tell - it's was time to head on out to Geoff and Steve's Birthday Bash!
Sky Bar in TucsonThis is really a perfect venue for a bunch of meteorite fanatics - lots of space, video screens, pizza, and drinks - even a spot outside for fire dancing - pretty much everything a devoted space rocker could ever need
Date: 01/01/2000
This is really a perfect venue for a bunch of meteorite fanatics - lots of space, video screens, pizza, and drinks - even a spot outside for fire dancing - pretty much everything a devoted space rocker could ever need
The meteorite crowd takes overI actually feel kind of sorry for any normal person who might venture into the place by accident during the event - this group is very single minded about their passion
Date: 01/01/2000
I actually feel kind of sorry for any normal person who might venture into the place by accident during the event - this group is very single minded about their passion
Streaming Video InterviewGeoff Notkin gets interviewed by Ruben Garcia who did a fantastic job of pulling together all the bits of technology to make the streaming video capability a reality
Date: 01/01/2000
Geoff Notkin gets interviewed by Ruben Garcia who did a fantastic job of pulling together all the bits of technology to make the streaming video capability a reality
Gary Fujihara and Matt MorganAny guesses about what they might be discussing?
Date: 01/01/2000
Any guesses about what they might be discussing?
Streaming Video & Chat ScreenThis giant screen over the stage made the virtual experience very interactive for the whole audience - we could all read the hilarious comments submitted by the web based participants from around the world - funny stuff
Date: 01/01/2000
This giant screen over the stage made the virtual experience very interactive for the whole audience - we could all read the hilarious comments submitted by the web based participants from around the world - funny stuff
Steve Arnold Kicks-off the EventSteve takes the microphone and it is finally time to get serious about the Birthday Bash - is that really possible?
Date: 01/01/2000
Steve takes the microphone and it is finally time to get serious about the Birthday Bash - is that really possible?
Interacting with the virtual attendeesOne of the unexpected benefits of the virtual screen was that Steve and Geoff could communicate with the international audience - very cool
Date: 01/01/2000
One of the unexpected benefits of the virtual screen was that Steve and Geoff could communicate with the international audience - very cool
Who found a meteorite in 2010?Steve asked everyone in the crowd who found a meteorite in 2010 to raise their hand - wow a ton of hands went up - I'm so glad he didn't ask the people who have NEVER found a meteorite to raise their hand - mine was holding a drink
Date: 01/01/2000
Steve asked everyone in the crowd who found a meteorite in 2010 to raise their hand - wow a ton of hands went up - I'm so glad he didn't ask the people who have NEVER found a meteorite to raise their hand - mine was holding a drink
Harvey Award - Matt MorganThe first winner was Matt Morgan for all the contributions he has made throughout years to many aspects of meteorite collecting, investigating, curating, and preparing - the award he is holding has a Yelland Dry Lake on top
Date: 01/01/2000
The first winner was Matt Morgan for all the contributions he has made throughout years to many aspects of meteorite collecting, investigating, curating, and preparing - the award he is holding has a Yelland Dry Lake on top
Harvey Award - Eric WichmanEric received an award for his efforts to start Meteorite Collecting & Hunting Magazine - Steve and Geoff also said that it might have helped their decision a tiny bit when Eric put them on the cover of the second issue - smart move
Date: 01/01/2000
Eric received an award for his efforts to start Meteorite Collecting & Hunting Magazine - Steve and Geoff also said that it might have helped their decision a tiny bit when Eric put them on the cover of the second issue - smart move
Fluffy - The Meteorite Finding CatWe all know about Hopper and Brix the meteorite finding dogs - but have you ever heard of Fluffy the meteorite finding cat? - Steve bought Fluffy to the event to give a demo - those are rare earth magnets attached to her feet
Date: 01/01/2000
We all know about Hopper and Brix the meteorite finding dogs - but have you ever heard of Fluffy the meteorite finding cat? - Steve bought Fluffy to the event to give a demo - those are rare earth magnets attached to her feet
Fluffy heading into the StrewnfieldNo better way to prove the skill of this cat than to have Fluffy enter an actual strewnfield in order to collect meteorites - fortunately there happened to be a strewnfield in the middle of the Sky Bar - yet another one I have missed
Date: 01/01/2000
No better way to prove the skill of this cat than to have Fluffy enter an actual strewnfield in order to collect meteorites - fortunately there happened to be a strewnfield in the middle of the Sky Bar - yet another one I have missed
Fluffy - 8 Finds / Russ - 0 FindsSteve and Geoff count up the number of recoveries made by Fluffy - the small mechanical cat managed to make 8+ more meteorite finds than I have ever made - and I even own a GPS and a magnet stick - grrrrrr
Date: 01/01/2000
Steve and Geoff count up the number of recoveries made by Fluffy - the small mechanical cat managed to make 8+ more meteorite finds than I have ever made - and I even own a GPS and a magnet stick - grrrrrr
Harvey Award - Laurence GarvieHe is both a Faculty Research Associate and the Collections Manager at the ASU Center for Meteorite Studies
Date: 02/11/2011
He is both a Faculty Research Associate and the Collections Manager at the ASU Center for Meteorite Studies
Laurence Garvie's CertificateLaurence is not only an excellent researcher but he also advised and made an appearance on the Science Channel's Meteorite Men television show (which was just renewed for a third season)
Date: 01/01/2000
Laurence is not only an excellent researcher but he also advised and made an appearance on the Science Channel's Meteorite Men television show (which was just renewed for a third season)
Geoff Reading from his new BookGeoff took some time to read a few passages from his new book - it appears to be a collection of original punk rock lyrics and screaming poems that Geoff wrote in the 90s while meditating in a field of clover - good PG-13 stuff
Date: 01/01/2000
Geoff took some time to read a few passages from his new book - it appears to be a collection of original punk rock lyrics and screaming poems that Geoff wrote in the 90s while meditating in a field of clover - good PG-13 stuff
Meteorite HuntingI'm sorry - that must have been Geoff's other book - the book pictured above IS actually about meteorite hunting - I bought my own at the show and it is GREAT - get your own copy here before Geoff runs out: http://meteoritehunters.tv
Date: 02/11/2011
I'm sorry - that must have been Geoff's other book - the book pictured above IS actually about meteorite hunting - I bought my own at the show and it is GREAT - get your own copy here before Geoff runs out: http://meteoritehunters.tv
Harvey Award - Rob MatsonOver the years Rob has been an important member of the meteorite community and he has also become one of the key experts on the use of NEXRAD Doppler radar images to aid in strewnfield locating for recent meteorite falls
Date: 02/11/2011
Over the years Rob has been an important member of the meteorite community and he has also become one of the key experts on the use of NEXRAD Doppler radar images to aid in strewnfield locating for recent meteorite falls
Harvey Award - Martin AltmannIf you don't know who Martin Altmann is then you must not be a subscriber of the Meteorite List (MetList) - his postings are legendary (and long - and even longer if Jason starts up a debate) - he also sells VERY nice stones as well
Date: 02/11/2011
If you don't know who Martin Altmann is then you must not be a subscriber of the Meteorite List (MetList) - his postings are legendary (and long - and even longer if Jason starts up a debate) - he also sells VERY nice stones as well
Steve holds up Martin's CertificateI can't see the fine print - but I think it is a Universal Export Permit (UEP) which is valid for any country on Earth plus Antarctica - it was signed by the appropriate UN section heads and it is considered a personal treaty (PT)
Date: 01/01/2000
I can't see the fine print - but I think it is a Universal Export Permit (UEP) which is valid for any country on Earth plus Antarctica - it was signed by the appropriate UN section heads and it is considered a personal treaty (PT)
Geoff with a Geiger-Müller CounterGeoff prepares to check out the radioactivity of the SECRET stone they recovered from Area 51 on "Meteorite Men" - based on the strange clicking noises I could hear - the stone seemed to exceed the safe exposure limits
Date: 01/01/2000
Geoff prepares to check out the radioactivity of the SECRET stone they recovered from Area 51 on "Meteorite Men" - based on the strange clicking noises I could hear - the stone seemed to exceed the safe exposure limits
Geoff holds up the Alien StoneSteve holds the case that was handcuffed to Geoff's wrist while he pulls out the Area 51 Alien Stone (it looked a little like an L/LL/LLL2 or possibly even a CV8) - Tom Phillips should micro-image it for further study
Date: 01/01/2000
Steve holds the case that was handcuffed to Geoff's wrist while he pulls out the Area 51 Alien Stone (it looked a little like an L/LL/LLL2 or possibly even a CV8) - Tom Phillips should micro-image it for further study
The Stone is taken by the MilitaryUnfortunately we will never know the true classification of the Area 51 meteorite because a team of soldiers swooped into the event and retrieved the stone - maybe we will learn more during "Meteorite Men" Season Three - stay tuned
Date: 01/01/2000
Unfortunately we will never know the true classification of the Area 51 meteorite because a team of soldiers swooped into the event and retrieved the stone - maybe we will learn more during "Meteorite Men" Season Three - stay tuned
Harvey Award - Suzanne MorrisonAnother meteorite community member - Suzanne was recognized not only for her many contributions but also for her great photographic work - especially with the Meteorite Men
Date: 01/01/2000
Another meteorite community member - Suzanne was recognized not only for her many contributions but also for her great photographic work - especially with the Meteorite Men
Geoff Notkin and Sonya Gay BournGeoff checks for radioactivity in the gift for Sonya - I think it was clean - as the Senior Producer she travelled on location during the filming of Meteorite Men and she had some really funny comments about their adventures
Date: 01/01/2000
Geoff checks for radioactivity in the gift for Sonya - I think it was clean - as the Senior Producer she travelled on location during the filming of Meteorite Men and she had some really funny comments about their adventures
Harvey Award - Richard KowalskiThe final award winner was Richard Kowalski for all his great astronomy work including the tracking of Almahata Sitta all the way from outer space to its final strewnfield landing zone - a really big achievement!
Date: 01/01/2000
The final award winner was Richard Kowalski for all his great astronomy work including the tracking of Almahata Sitta all the way from outer space to its final strewnfield landing zone - a really big achievement!
Cindy, Steve, and JohnOnce the awards ceremony and birthday celebration was complete everyone spent the rest of the night relaxing and mingling with the various folks from around the world - I took this shot of Cindy and John Hawkinson with Steve Arnold
Date: 01/01/2000
Once the awards ceremony and birthday celebration was complete everyone spent the rest of the night relaxing and mingling with the various folks from around the world - I took this shot of Cindy and John Hawkinson with Steve Arnold
The Big OnesThe next morning it was time to get serious and buy some big stuff - so I headed out to Ismaily's room first thing - surprisingly there were still some good items left - in this photo you can see the Fisler's were shopping as well
Date: 01/01/2000
The next morning it was time to get serious and buy some big stuff - so I headed out to Ismaily's room first thing - surprisingly there were still some good items left - in this photo you can see the Fisler's were shopping as well
NWA xxx - 50.56 gramsMy first purchase was this highly probable CV3 - having a nice big chunk of Carbonaceous Chondrite is always a good thing
Date: 02/14/2011
My first purchase was this highly probable CV3 - having a nice big chunk of Carbonaceous Chondrite is always a good thing
NWA xxx - 778 gramsThis big one was discounted for some reason - probably the shape - but it was 100% smooth and intact all the way around with no blemishes (except the natural cracks) - so I bought it as a display piece
Date: 02/14/2011
This big one was discounted for some reason - probably the shape - but it was 100% smooth and intact all the way around with no blemishes (except the natural cracks) - so I bought it as a display piece
NWA xxx - 564.9 gramsThis triangle shaped individual must have started life on Earth as a big broken fragment - the desert really did its work over the years and the exposed interior is now 100% varnished all the way around - the bottom is jet black
Date: 02/14/2011
This triangle shaped individual must have started life on Earth as a big broken fragment - the desert really did its work over the years and the exposed interior is now 100% varnished all the way around - the bottom is jet black
NWA xxx - 2 KilogramsA big, round, dark killer meteorite that weighes two kilograms and has no blemishes, sits perfectly as a display piece, and is priced well to boot - I'll take it! - my last purchase of the "big ones" for this trip
Date: 02/14/2011
A big, round, dark killer meteorite that weighes two kilograms and has no blemishes, sits perfectly as a display piece, and is priced well to boot - I'll take it! - my last purchase of the "big ones" for this trip
Josh and Bud EislerI wandered into Josh and Bud's room at the Day's Inn and the more I looked the more I found - they really had some very nice pieces - some I had not seen in years - I bought an assortment and promised to visit them again next year
Date: 01/01/2000
I wandered into Josh and Bud's room at the Day's Inn and the more I looked the more I found - they really had some very nice pieces - some I had not seen in years - I bought an assortment and promised to visit them again next year
Sikhote-Alin - 57 gramsIt's getting harder to find the really nice Sikhote pieces which have the deep, symmetrical regmaglypts - this specimen is even better than what I found last year and it is 100% larger - so I quickly bought it from Josh and Bud
Date: 02/15/2011
It's getting harder to find the really nice Sikhote pieces which have the deep, symmetrical regmaglypts - this specimen is even better than what I found last year and it is 100% larger - so I quickly bought it from Josh and Bud
Namib Desert - 10.1 gramsI also bought this H4 slice which is another new collection piece for me - I had never heard of this one until I saw it in their room - the interior reminds me of desert colors so the name certainly fits
Date: 02/15/2011
I also bought this H4 slice which is another new collection piece for me - I had never heard of this one until I saw it in their room - the interior reminds me of desert colors so the name certainly fits
Estherville - 5.3 gramsEstherville is a US historical meteorite from an 1879 observed fall - my current piece was only a bit more than a gram - so this new part slice is a big improvement - it actually shows the mesosiderite characteristics clearly
Date: 01/01/2000
Estherville is a US historical meteorite from an 1879 observed fall - my current piece was only a bit more than a gram - so this new part slice is a big improvement - it actually shows the mesosiderite characteristics clearly
Vyatka - 10.1 gramsAn H4 from Russia that was sold for many years as "Kaigorod" - the specimen ID card from Josh has that name - but the offical name is now "Vyatka" for the river where the stone was found in 1992
Date: 02/15/2011
An H4 from Russia that was sold for many years as "Kaigorod" - the specimen ID card from Josh has that name - but the offical name is now "Vyatka" for the river where the stone was found in 1992
Berduc - 2.4 gramsI took this photo of an example piece of the recent fall from 2008 - it has been classified as an L6
Date: 02/17/2011
I took this photo of an example piece of the recent fall from 2008 - it has been classified as an L6
Erich Haiderer, Bob Falls, and Jim BaxterErich and Bob were negotiating several purchases when I walked in - and they nust have reached a fair deal because Bob walked out with some really good stuff - and they both had big ear to ear smiles
Date: 01/01/2000
Erich and Bob were negotiating several purchases when I walked in - and they nust have reached a fair deal because Bob walked out with some really good stuff - and they both had big ear to ear smiles
Eric TwelkerEric bought a couple of HUGE meteorites while I was in the room - one was so big that I could actually feel Erich's emotional pain as it was carried out - it was beautifully shaped - Eric holds up the smaller of the two purchases
Date: 01/01/2000
Eric bought a couple of HUGE meteorites while I was in the room - one was so big that I could actually feel Erich's emotional pain as it was carried out - it was beautifully shaped - Eric holds up the smaller of the two purchases
Erich Haiderer and Russ FinneyLast year I obtained seven unique lunars and martians from Erich which were not yet in my collection - this year I obtained eleven additional new lunar and martian specimens - some are extremely rare with tiny TKWs - thanks Erich!
Date: 01/01/2000
Last year I obtained seven unique lunars and martians from Erich which were not yet in my collection - this year I obtained eleven additional new lunar and martian specimens - some are extremely rare with tiny TKWs - thanks Erich!
Lunars & MartiansA photo of the various Lunar and Martian specimens obtained from Erich that are all new names to my collection - another big boost to the number of classified planetary meteorites within my catalog - only a handful left to obtain
Date: 02/15/2011
A photo of the various Lunar and Martian specimens obtained from Erich that are all new names to my collection - another big boost to the number of classified planetary meteorites within my catalog - only a handful left to obtain
"Meteorite Men" Cast and CrewA simply stunning group of people don't you think? When I arrived everyone was speculating about the possibility of a third season - well speculate no more - Variety announced "Meteorite Men 3" this week - congratulations!
Date: 01/01/2000
A simply stunning group of people don't you think? When I arrived everyone was speculating about the possibility of a third season - well speculate no more - Variety announced "Meteorite Men 3" this week - congratulations!
Aerolite MeteoritesGeoff's little oasis of meteorites - some really outstanding choices - I browsed for a couple of days before making my final selections - this room was a central gethering point for collectors - lots of TV filming as well
Date: 01/01/2000
Geoff's little oasis of meteorites - some really outstanding choices - I browsed for a couple of days before making my final selections - this room was a central gethering point for collectors - lots of TV filming as well
Plains - 66.2 gramsMy first purchase from Geoff was this Texas treasure - Plains - which is a very hard to get meteorite - this one is from the Huss Collection and it is numbered - which makes it one of my better Texas show pieces
Date: 02/16/2011
My first purchase from Geoff was this Texas treasure - Plains - which is a very hard to get meteorite - this one is from the Huss Collection and it is numbered - which makes it one of my better Texas show pieces
Plains - Huss Number - H56.12A close-up of the Huss Number (the "6" looks like an "8") - how did Glenn Huss paint those small numbers? - he must have had some fairly steady hand control - this slice was obtained by Geoff from a university in Vermont
Date: 02/16/2011
A close-up of the Huss Number (the "6" looks like an "8") - how did Glenn Huss paint those small numbers? - he must have had some fairly steady hand control - this slice was obtained by Geoff from a university in Vermont
Fantastic SelectionLook at how many great specimens are packed into these cases - between this and the other major dealer rooms it really is overwhelming - there is really no way to "see" everything with a limited amount of time
Date: 01/01/2000
Look at how many great specimens are packed into these cases - between this and the other major dealer rooms it really is overwhelming - there is really no way to "see" everything with a limited amount of time
Sahara 99318 - 396.5 gramsI have quite a number of numbered Saharan meteorites from the Labenne brother's expeditions - but this purchase from Geoff with a painted field number is my first complete Sahara individual - the stone was cut but never classified
Date: 02/17/2011
I have quite a number of numbered Saharan meteorites from the Labenne brother's expeditions - but this purchase from Geoff with a painted field number is my first complete Sahara individual - the stone was cut but never classified
Geoff, Russ, and SteveThese two were so busy this year with production filming, public relations, room activity, the Birthday Bash, and fan chatting - they probably need a long getaway trip to Northwest Africa for some hot sun and cool stones
Date: 01/01/2000
These two were so busy this year with production filming, public relations, room activity, the Birthday Bash, and fan chatting - they probably need a long getaway trip to Northwest Africa for some hot sun and cool stones
More Big Ones...I wandered over to Mohammad's room to see some more giant unclassified NWAs - these were great displayable stones with some nice heft to them
Date: 01/01/2000
I wandered over to Mohammad's room to see some more giant unclassified NWAs - these were great displayable stones with some nice heft to them
Mohammad outside with some Type 3sMohammad had great stuff both inside and outside - including some unclassified stones with a high probability of being type 3 based on the polished slices I examined
Date: 01/01/2000
Mohammad had great stuff both inside and outside - including some unclassified stones with a high probability of being type 3 based on the polished slices I examined
Bruno and Carine's RoomThis room is full of everything I want in my collection but really can't afford - they are great about keeping their specimens large for the high end collectors within our ranks - one of these years I hope to buy a nice piece
Date: 01/01/2000
This room is full of everything I want in my collection but really can't afford - they are great about keeping their specimens large for the high end collectors within our ranks - one of these years I hope to buy a nice piece
Norton CountyYou probably saw Bob Verish in the last photo - he was showing the amazing Norton County specimens which were set to be auctioned that night - in fact it was already time to make the drive out to the Blood auction!
Date: 01/01/2000
You probably saw Bob Verish in the last photo - he was showing the amazing Norton County specimens which were set to be auctioned that night - in fact it was already time to make the drive out to the Blood auction!
The Michael Blood Meteorite AuctionThe room was packed with people this year - about a hundred items were available for bidding - some were really high level pieces so the excitement was pretty high - that is if you can actually detect excitement from rock collectors
Date: 01/01/2000
The room was packed with people this year - about a hundred items were available for bidding - some were really high level pieces so the excitement was pretty high - that is if you can actually detect excitement from rock collectors
Live Web StreamingRuben brought his broadcast set-up used at the Birthday Bash to the Blood Auction - collectors from around the world were able to watch the bidding through an internet connection
Date: 01/01/2000
Ruben brought his broadcast set-up used at the Birthday Bash to the Blood Auction - collectors from around the world were able to watch the bidding through an internet connection
Moss - .428 gramsThis was my first win of the auction - I did not have Moss in my collection yet and it seemed like a good chance to obtain one of Eric Twelker's great part slices - as you can tell from the photo it was small but very well prepared
Date: 02/17/2011
This was my first win of the auction - I did not have Moss in my collection yet and it seemed like a good chance to obtain one of Eric Twelker's great part slices - as you can tell from the photo it was small but very well prepared
A serious group of BiddersThings started to heat up as the auction moved through the list
Date: 01/01/2000
Things started to heat up as the auction moved through the list
Michael Blood taking BidsThe meteorite auction participants were made up of the people in the room who registered that night as well as a number of absentee bidders
Date: 01/01/2000
The meteorite auction participants were made up of the people in the room who registered that night as well as a number of absentee bidders
Udei Station - 14.2 gramsMy second win of the night was this nice big part slice of Udei Station which is an ungrouped IAB iron - this is my first piece of this meteorite and it is also from Eric Twelker - the specimen was in a GREAT membrane box
Date: 01/01/2000
My second win of the night was this nice big part slice of Udei Station which is an ungrouped IAB iron - this is my first piece of this meteorite and it is also from Eric Twelker - the specimen was in a GREAT membrane box
Far left side tableThese were the experts that I sat with - too many people to even begin to name - kilograms of knowledge and experience
Date: 01/01/2000
These were the experts that I sat with - too many people to even begin to name - kilograms of knowledge and experience
Auction TeamworkA hundred items is a lot to auction - but Michael's team kept things moving quickly
Date: 01/01/2000
A hundred items is a lot to auction - but Michael's team kept things moving quickly
NWA 3151 - .850 gramsMy third win of the night was this part slice of NWA 3151 which is a Brachinite - this is only the second piece of this interesting and rare type I have managed to obtain - both originate from Adam and Greg Hupé
Date: 01/01/2000
My third win of the night was this part slice of NWA 3151 which is a Brachinite - this is only the second piece of this interesting and rare type I have managed to obtain - both originate from Adam and Greg Hupé
Back of the room tableThese guys were pretty intense - Jason, Gary, and Jim
Date: 01/01/2000
These guys were pretty intense - Jason, Gary, and Jim
Don, Greg, Maria, Anne and othersMost people keep track of the auction amounts on the bid sheets - it reminds me of tracking statistics at a baseball game
Date: 01/01/2000
Most people keep track of the auction amounts on the bid sheets - it reminds me of tracking statistics at a baseball game
Dhofar 908 - Lunar - .804 gramsMy fourth win was the fantastic full slice of Dhofar 908 which is sometimes called the "Rosetta Stone" of the lunars because it consists of multiple lithologies - the astronomer in me just loves having another bit of the Moon!
Date: 02/17/2011
My fourth win was the fantastic full slice of Dhofar 908 which is sometimes called the "Rosetta Stone" of the lunars because it consists of multiple lithologies - the astronomer in me just loves having another bit of the Moon!
Some of the display casesA lot of really cool stuff waiting for the right buyers - a few of the items were directly from Museum collections
Date: 01/01/2000
A lot of really cool stuff waiting for the right buyers - a few of the items were directly from Museum collections
Pondering the next item...Some serious thinking (and bank balance checking) going on at this point - still a number of major items due to hit the auction block
Date: 01/01/2000
Some serious thinking (and bank balance checking) going on at this point - still a number of major items due to hit the auction block
Washougal - .006 grams - RARE!My final auction purchase was Washougal - an ultra rare Howardite from Washington state - my understanding is that the original 225 gram main mass was lost and only a type specimen remains of this meteorite
Date: 01/01/2000
My final auction purchase was Washougal - an ultra rare Howardite from Washington state - my understanding is that the original 225 gram main mass was lost and only a type specimen remains of this meteorite
Washougal - .006 gramsThe top left inset shows Martin Horejsi's tiny specimen of Washougal (from the Meteoritical Bulletin) - I suppose that the .006 grams that I acquired - shown in the center of the photo - came from that piece - yes, collectors are insane
Date: 02/17/2011
The top left inset shows Martin Horejsi's tiny specimen of Washougal (from the Meteoritical Bulletin) - I suppose that the .006 grams that I acquired - shown in the center of the photo - came from that piece - yes, collectors are insane
Leigh Anne holds up Geoff's Meteorite Men Rock HammerThis was an amazing auction Lot of all kinds of Meteorite Men stuff from the show including tools, photos, and actual meteorite finds - the best "swag" Lot of the night!
Date: 01/01/2000
This was an amazing auction Lot of all kinds of Meteorite Men stuff from the show including tools, photos, and actual meteorite finds - the best "swag" Lot of the night!
Steve and Qynne ArnoldSteve and Qynne seemed to be having a blast this whole trip - make sure to check out Steve's page on Facebook for some good insider meteorite deals...
Date: 01/01/2000
Steve and Qynne seemed to be having a blast this whole trip - make sure to check out Steve's page on Facebook for some good insider meteorite deals...
John Humphries - Lucky 13John pretty much bid on everything all night and I think he scored a few big wins - he seem to be having as much fun as I was - BIDDING = WINNING
Date: 01/01/2000
John pretty much bid on everything all night and I think he scored a few big wins - he seem to be having as much fun as I was - BIDDING = WINNING
Another year finished too quickly!Here I am next to Jason with a big, well deserved smile because the auction event was such a great end to a fantastic trip - THANKS to everyone who once again helped me to feel at home in Tucson ... see you again next year!
Date: 01/01/2000
Here I am next to Jason with a big, well deserved smile because the auction event was such a great end to a fantastic trip - THANKS to everyone who once again helped me to feel at home in Tucson ... see you again next year!
Meteorites by Alain CarionTo finish let me recommend another book as well - Meteorites by Alain Carion (translated by Anne Black) - I picked up a copy at the show and read it on the way home - well done! - find it here: http://www.carionmineraux.com
Date: 02/17/2011
To finish let me recommend another book as well - Meteorites by Alain Carion (translated by Anne Black) - I picked up a copy at the show and read it on the way home - well done! - find it here: http://www.carionmineraux.com