Meteorites are messengers from outer space. They come from meteoroids and asteroids. Meteoroids (with a "d") are objects in space that are smaller than 1 metre. Asteroids are objects that are larger than 1 metre. When they hit the Earth's atmosphere, they begin to glow, melt and vaporise. The glow is visible as a meteor (= shooting star) or, in the case of very bright objects, as a so-called "fireball". The objects usually burn up completely in the atmosphere. Sometimes, however, individual or several pieces reach the ground. These are then referred to as meteorites (with a "t").

Anyone who thinks they have found a meteorite can narrow down whether it is possibly a genuine meteorite by carrying out a few simple tests. Almost all meteorites, even so-called stony meteorites, contain a certain percentage of iron/nickel. This makes them relatively heavy. Also, the surface melts in the atmosphere and freshly fallen meteorites have a black, smooth and dull surface.

The following checklist is helpful:

• Is the find particularly heavy for its size?
• Does the find have a smooth and matt surface (not shiny)?
• Does the object show metallic inclusions on a possibly broken or chipped corner?
• Does the object have a black surface crust?
• Is the piece compact and solid (not porous)?

If you can answer 'yes' to all questions, there is a good chance that you have found a real meteorite.

Since meteoids and asteroids are some of the only remains from the beginning of the universe, meteorites are studied to draw conclusions about their formation and evolution. Therefore, special care should be taken with fresh, recently fallen meteorites. These have a special scientific value. Their original nature should be preserved as much as possible. Special notes in this case:

• No magnet should be used so as not to destroy information about a magnetic field in the object.
• To pick up the object one should use disposable gloves, a piece of cloth or the inside of a bag turned inside out.
• The piece should be placed in a sealable bag or pocket.

Meteorites that are probably not related to a recent observation and that have probably been on the ground for a long time may also have a brown surface (due to dirt and rust) and can be tested to see if they attract a magnet.

If after these 'checks' you think you have found a real meteorite, please take some photos of the object and send them together with information about the size, location and time of finding to the following e-mail address: meteorit@uni-oldenburg.de. Don't forget to include your contact information.

Here you can find some more helpful information on meteorite hunting LINK.

Regarding the collection of meteorites, meteorite expert Dieter Heinlein points out the legal restrictions: "For such rare cases of luck as the discovery of a freshly fallen meteorite, there is no separate law in Germany that would regulate the ownership. According to a judgement of the Augsburg Regional Court of 6 July 2007 (8 O 1758/06), there is "no earthly right to heavenly goods". Such a heavenly stone is rather to be regarded as an "ownerless object" and thus the property of the finder. Of course, this general rule also applies to Baden-Württemberg, provided the meteorite is found on public land, e.g. in the forest, along a road, in a harvested field. If a searcher wants to enter a planted field, a private or even fenced property, he should in any case ask the owner or tenant of the property for permission beforehand."

Since meteoroids and asteroids are some of the only remnants from the beginnings of the universe, meteorites are studied to draw conclusions about their formation and evolution. Therefore, special care should be taken with fresh, recently fallen meteorites. These can have a special scientific value. Their original nature should be preserved as much as possible.

Special notes if a meteorite is found during a search for a fresh fall, e.g. after observing a very bright fireball:

• The surface of freshly fallen meteorites will show a blackish fusion crust.
• A magnet should not be used in order not to destroy information about a magnetic field in the object.
• Disposable gloves, a piece of cloth or the inside of a bag turned inside out should be used to pick up the object.
• The object should be placed in a sealable bag or pocket.

Meteorites that are probably not related to a recent observation and that have probably been lying on the ground for some time will usually have a brownish surface (due to dirt and oxidation of the iron they contain) and you can test whether they attract a magnet. Another tip: meteorites sometimes show indentations (so-called regmaglypts - particularly relevant for iron meteorites).

If after these 'checks' you think you have found a real meteorite, please take a few photos of the object and send them together with information about the size, place and time of discovery to the following email address: meteorit@uni-oldenburg.de. Don't forget to include your contact information. Please do not send pictures of more than 2 objects.

We have a scientific interest in meteorites. We are interested in identifying possible meteorites in Germany or neighbouring countries. Please note that we do not have the capacity to assess worldwide finds. Furthermore, we are not interested in buying or trading meteorites.

Here you can find some more helpful information on meteorite searches:

More on meteorites

When collecting meteorites, meteorite expert Dieter Heinlein points out the legal restrictions (without guarantee): "For such rare strokes of luck as the discovery of a freshly fallen meteorite, there is no separate law in Germany that would regulate ownership. According to a judgement of the Augsburg Regional Court of 6 July 2007 (8 O 1758/06), there is "no earthly right to heavenly goods". Such a celestial stone is rather to be regarded as an "ownerless object" and therefore the property of the finder. This applies if the meteorite is found on public property, e.g. in a forest, on a road or in a harvested field. If a searcher wants to enter a planted field, a private or even fenced property, he should always ask the owner or tenant of the property for permission beforehand."