Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fireball?

A fireball is a meteor brighter than magnitude −4 (roughly as bright as Venus). These intense events are more likely to be caused by larger meteoroids that can survive atmospheric entry and produce recoverable meteorites.

How often do meteorites actually reach the ground?

Scientists estimate that about 5-10 meteorites per day fall to Earth's surface, but the vast majority land in oceans, remote areas, or go unnoticed. Only a handful per year are recovered by people.

What does a Possible score mean?

A Possible score (70 or above out of 100) means the fireball event exhibited multiple strong signals of meteorite survival — such as a low terminal altitude, slow entry speed, fragmentation, and favorable terrain. These are the best candidates for a ground search.

Can I actually go search for a meteorite?

Yes! In most jurisdictions, meteorites found on public land belong to the finder. Always check local regulations, get landowner permission for private property, and prioritize safety. Fresh meteorites are often dark with a fusion crust and may be slightly magnetic.

How current is the data?

NASA CNEOS data is updated approximately hourly. AMS witness reports flow in within hours of an event. GMN camera data is processed daily. Events on MeteorHound are typically visible within 24 hours of occurrence.

Why don't I see any events near me?

Bright fireball events that pass our meteorite-candidate filters are relatively rare — typically a few dozen per month globally. Many occur over oceans or uninhabited regions. Use the "Use my location" feature and subscribe to alerts so you're notified when one happens nearby.

What equipment do I need to search?

A basic search kit includes a GPS device or phone, a strong magnet (most meteorites contain iron), a hiking stick for probing tall grass, ziplock bags for specimens, and sun protection. A metal detector significantly improves your odds for iron-rich meteorites.

How is the search radius calculated?

The search radius is estimated from the fireball's duration and terminal altitude. Longer-duration events and lower terminal heights produce a wider debris field (strewn field). The actual strewn field is elliptical along the trajectory, but we show a circular radius as a starting point.