Hey, Dave - FYIThe space rock was seen soaring over the Pine Tree State on Saturday, April 8, according to NASA’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Lab.
“Eyewitnesses report a fireball that was bright even in midday, followed by loud sonic booms near Calais, Maine,” according to the agency.
The falling meteorite was observed for just under five minutes before it landed near the U.S.-Canada border.
The crash is the first meteorite fall to be detected by radar in the state, the agency said.
The weather radar that identified the falling space rock, known as NEXRAD, has been in operation since 1996, Marc Fries, a NASA scientist who studies meteorite falls, told McClatchy News.
Following the crash, the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, which houses the largest display of meteorites from Mars and the moon on Earth, announced it is offering $25,000 to the individual who finds the meteorite, Myles Felch, a museum curator, told McClatchy News.
Any specimen brought to the museum has to weigh 1 kilogram or more, Felch said, adding that the rock’s texture and chemistry would be analyzed to confirm its authenticity.
The $25,000 reward for finding a meteorite in Maine is an incentive offered by scientific organizations or private collectors to encourage the public to search for and recover meteorite pieces. This kind of reward is typically aimed at acquiring rare or valuable meteorites that have recently fallen, for research or collection purposes.
The reward might be offered by a university, a research institution, a museum, or a private collector. Details about the specific entity offering the reward can usually be found in the announcement or press release related to the reward offer.
The reward is generally offered for specific types of meteorites, often those that are freshly fallen and thus more valuable for scientific research. The qualifying criteria might include the size, type, and condition of the meteorite. It's essential to refer to the specific terms and conditions outlined by the entity offering the reward.
To claim the reward, finders usually need to provide proof of the meteorite, such as location details, photographs, and possibly physical verification by experts. The process may involve contacting the organization offering the reward and following their procedure for verification and reward disbursement.
Yes, there are legal considerations. It's important to obtain permission from landowners before searching on private land. Additionally, certain areas may be protected or have restrictions on collecting natural objects. Always ensure compliance with local laws and regulations when hunting for meteorites.