Is finding a meteorite lucky?
Finding a meteorite is very rare, so it feels lucky! Some cultures thought meteorites brought good fortune, but scientifically they are just amazing rocks from space.
Finding a meteorite is incredibly rare. Most people never find one in their whole life, so if you do, you can certainly feel lucky!
Old beliefs. In the past, people in many cultures thought meteorites were special. Some believed they were gifts or messages from the gods. Others thought they brought good luck, or bad luck, or protected against danger. Some meteorites were kept in temples and churches. The Ensisheim meteorite, which fell in France in 1492, was hung in a church, and people believed it was a sign of something important.
Science today. Scientists know meteorites are natural rocks from space, mostly pieces of asteroids. They cannot change your luck. But they are amazing objects, older than Earth, carrying clues about how the planets formed.
Lucky for science. When someone finds a meteorite and reports it, they are lucky for science too. Each new meteorite might teach scientists something new. Some finds by ordinary people have turned out to be rare and important.
Make your own luck. You can improve your chances of finding a meteorite by learning what they look like, searching in good places with an adult and permission, and watching out for fireballs.
Whether you believe in luck or not, finding a meteorite would be one of the most exciting things ever!