What should I take on a meteorite hunt?
A strong magnet on a stick, a GPS or phone, a camera, clean foil or bags, labels and pen, water, sun or weather protection, and the landowner's permission.
Being well prepared makes a meteorite hunt safer, more productive and more useful to science.
Essential kit. - Permission: written or clear verbal agreement from the landowner, and knowledge of local rules. - Magnet cane: a walking stick with a strong magnet attached to the end, for testing stones without bending. - GPS device or phone: to record find locations and track your search area. - Camera: to photograph finds where they lie, with a scale. - Clean aluminium foil and new plastic bags: to pick up possible meteorites without touching them. - Labels and a pencil: to record the location, date and time on each bag. - Notebook: for notes on finds, weather and areas searched.
Comfort and safety. - Water and snacks. - Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, a hat and sunscreen or warm layers. - First aid kit. - Charged phone and, in remote areas, a way to call for help. - Map, and someone at home who knows your plans.
Optional. - Metal detector, if permitted. - Hand lens for close inspection. - Small scale or ruler for photographs. - Marker flags to show search lines or find spots.
Leave behind. Hammers and chisels, unless you are an experienced collector in a permitted area. Breaking possible meteorites destroys information.
Finally, take patience. Most hunts find nothing, but each one teaches you more about recognising rocks.