[meteorite-list] HOT Meteorite Hunting

[Adam Hupe]

Dear List Members,

I cannot tell you how many people have inquired about meteorite hunting here in beautiful, friendly and very hot Laughlin, Nevada, USA.  Although it is in the middle of the very best meteorite hunting grounds in the Southwest, this is not the time of year to hunt.  Gold basin, Franconia, Red Lake, Ivanpah and Primm, all within and hour or so drive may be 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler but still well over 100 degrees on most days this time of year. 

Here is an example that illustrates just how hot it gets here. I looked at the temperature gauge on my back patio and it was maxed out at 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade although the local paper stated it only got up to 116 degrees. I always heard that it gets hot enough to fry eggs on rocks so I gave it a try on my patio.  The results can be seen at the links below:

Egg Frying On Porch Link:
http://themeteoritesite.com/Z-Egg-a.jpg

Close-up:
http://themeteoritesite.com/Z-Egg-b.jpg

It only took about 20 minutes to get the egg to over-easy. Imagine if this was your head.  Be careful if you are brave enough to hunt in these conditions. Bring lots of water, sunscreen and protective clothing. 


Best Regards from the hottest meteorite hunting grounds in the United States,

Adam