[meteorite-list] Meteorite Fall Frequency

[Meteorites USA]

Hi Listees,

We're all super excited about the WI meteorite fall, what a wonderful 
meteorite! Now a "possible" new fall in WI not even a month after the 
Livingston fall. And another BIG fireball over Maryland with lots of 
reports, some of fragmentation. Throw in Lorton, and a few other BIG USA 
fireballs that didn't get chased too hard over the past year, does this 
say something to you? Either "The End of The World" is near or there's 
something going on here, more so than normal. My question still stands, 
and I think it's obvious.

Are we simply noticing more falls, or are more falls happening, thereby 
making us more aware? Or both? Or a combination thereof, same number as 
normal, yet we're simply noticing more because of the increased 
pubilicity. Meteorite Men in my opinion will ultimately be a boon to the 
meteorite world, after everyone is done being all whiny about the price 
issue, I think what will come of it will be a better understanding of 
meteorites as a whole. This increased awareness has helped set off a 
storm of controversy, intrigue, and curiosity, the latter of which is 
what I believe will win out of all!

I believe there's more meteorite falls being "NOTICED", not necessarily 
more falling, but the awareness is such that more people are LOOKING UP! 
as is the meteorite world and ultimately the science because of it.

I've been compiling a cursory list of big meteors/fireballs and 
meteorite falls, for the last 3 years, but it's a daunting task to keep 
it organized, and keep reports from overlapping, as more and more 
fireballs are reported. This is part of what the MHA is about... (Don't 
know what the MHA is? Read my site!) I wonder is it possible that 
someone would step forward to volunteer to help compile this data or 
share what data they have. I don't mind compiling it on my own, as I've 
done this already for 3 years and will continue to do so, but it'd be 
nice if there were more public interest in this area of meteorite 
science in my opinion.

We all know there will be many more fireballs/meteorite falls noticed 
over the next year.

My prediction: I predict at this rate, possibly having another 3 
"recovered" witnessed meteorite falls in the next year here in the USA. 
Price will fluctuate accordingly, people will become more educated in 
the science of meteoritics, and perhaps more people will focus more on 
what counts in the meteorite world rather than whining about what 
doesn't! Maybe that last one is a bit too much to ask for...? ;)

Anyone wanna bet on it?

Regards.
Eric Wichman
Meteorites USA