[meteorite-list] What Started It All...?

[Eric Wichman]

This is a two fold Statement/Question. It could mean "What started it 
all! referring to my meteorite collection and adventures, or it could 
mean something way more profound than my insignificant little 
explanation... I'll leave it for you to decide.

Some people have asked me what got me into meteorites. I've combined 
some old posts from my old list, and my original post with some updated 
info. Here it is...

What do I love about meteorites? Short quick and dirty answer, EVERYTHING!

The long answer... I love meteorites because of what they are, what they 
mean, and where they come from. I love meteorites because they are part 
of something way bigger than I am but I can hold them in the palm of my 
hand. I love meteorites because they make me wonder more about the 
origins of EVERYTHING!

<b>My Meteorite Obsession:</b> It all started way back in August of 2007 
when my girlfriend bought me my first meteorite. From there I started my 
first meteorite site MeteoriteWatch.com to showcase my meteorite and new 
found hobby. UPDATE: Since then, the site has evolved into something 
much more than a personal site about meteorites. My newfound hobby 
turned into and addiction and the addiction turned into a full blown 
obsession!

I found myself asking the same old questions with new insight. How long 
did it take our planet to form? Where did all the material come from? 
What makes a planet form in the first place? Is our planet actually 
growing? What's at the core of our planet? How long does the Earth have 
left in it's planetary life cycle?

This is why I love meteorites, because they can answer all these 
questions and more. They may even be able to tell us how life got here 
and ultimately where we come from! The possibility is there.

That is amazing!

I think that is why most people become researchers, scientists, 
physicists, cosmologists, and all the other related fields have one 
thing in common. They look for answers to the bigger question. Where are 
we from, and why are we here?

Too deep? Maybe, but hey you asked for it... ;)

Here are a few excerpts from an article I wrote for my meteorite dealer 
site.

<b>The Popularity Of Meteorites:</b> Meteorites are ever increasing in 
popularity. Over the last few years more and more people are realizing 
the potential of meteorites. Intrinsically speaking meteorites are one 
of the very few things on this planet that ALL people can relate to. I 
don't know anyone that isn't fascinated by a meteorite once they hold 
one in their hand. There's something about meteorites that just make you 
"want" to hold it, and it give you some sense of knowledge.

Read my article simply titled "11 Reasons Everyone Should Own A 
Meteorite." http://www.meteoritewatch.com/mw/node/20

<b>Meteorites As Art:</b> Many people view meteorites with an artistic 
eye. Meteorites are beautiful pieces of art from space and some sell for 
massive amounts of money. As meteorites grow in popularity so will this 
area of the industry. Bonhams' New York natural history auctions off 
some meteorites for as much as $105,000.00. This is a huge amount of 
money for a rock from space.

<b>The Demand For Meteorites Is High:</b> As the popularity of 
meteorites grows, so too does the price. The are only so many meteorites 
on the planet, as more and more people buy meteorites, the supply will 
dwindle, demand will grow and the price for your average iron, or 
pallasite, will rise substantially. These treasured rocks from space are 
highly sought after by collectors and dealers alike and the price is 
only going to rise as more and more people buy them up. Take a look at 
the latest fall in Carancas, Peru. This chondrite is extremely valuable. 
Meteorite hunters and dealers traveled from all over the world to pick 
up pieces of this meteorite before it was all grabbed up. Now these 
specimens go for as much as $100 per gram or more. There are very few 
pieces of this meteorite available on the market right now.

On a lighter note I like meteorites because they are a way for me to do 
what I like to do, travel, search, find, treasure hunt, adventure, and 
learning. I sell meteorites so I can collect, to finance my adventure, 
travels and equipment. Adventure unfortunately costs money, and 
meteorites afford me that fun!

Hope this answers all your questions... ;)

So, I answered! What do meteorites mean to you?

Post Your Answers Here: http://www.meteoritewatch.com/mw/node/21

Regards,
Eric
MW