How a Professional Meteorite Hunter Finds Treasure

Imagine holding a piece of the universe in your hand—one that’s traveled billions of miles across the vast expanse of space, survived fiery re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, and landed here, waiting to be discovered. This is the extraordinary journey of meteorites, as described by Steve Arnold, a professional meteorite hunter, in his captivating TED Talk at TEDxWilsonPark.

Arnold, known for hosting the TV series Meteorite Men, has spent three decades unraveling the mysteries of space rocks, turning his passion into a career filled with adventure, discovery, and connection to the cosmos. His story is not just about meteorites; it’s about the excitement of treasure hunting and the thrill of uncovering pieces of our solar system’s history.

The Meteorite Hunter’s Origin Story

For Arnold, the allure of treasure hunting began in childhood. Inspired by tales of buried loot and Hollywood’s depiction of adventurous archaeologists like Indiana Jones, he nurtured a deep desire for exploration. But instead of ancient relics, Arnold turned his attention skyward, choosing meteorites—remnants of asteroids and comets—as his treasures.

His journey started humbly with a metal detector and a spark of curiosity. An old story about a farmer named Eliza Kimberly, who paid off her mortgage by selling meteorites, fueled his belief that these celestial artifacts held both scientific and monetary value.

The Hunt: A Blend of Science and Adventure

Arnold revealed three main strategies for finding meteorites:

1. Hunting in Strewn Fields: Meteorites often fall in a pattern called a “strewn field,” where fragments scatter after breaking up in the atmosphere. Advances in metal detection technology allowed Arnold to unearth spectacular finds, including a 1,430-pound meteorite buried seven feet deep in a Kansas wheat field. This discovery not only changed his life but also catapulted him into the spotlight, leading to his television series.
2. Chasing Fireballs: Occasionally, new meteorites crash to Earth in spectacular fireball events. Arnold recounted stories of hunting fresh meteorites, including a memorable event in Chicago where meteorite fragments rained down on homes, cars, and streets. His daughter’s discovery of her first meteorite inspired not only Arnold but also the residents of the area, sparking their own curiosity about space treasures.
3. Searching for Cold Finds: In areas with minimal vegetation, like Chile’s Atacama Desert, meteorites are easier to spot. Arnold shared the exhilaration of witnessing others uncover cold finds, including a moment when a teammate discovered a pristine 4-pound meteorite in the desert sands.

A Community of Discovery

Beyond personal success, Arnold takes pride in helping others find meteorites. He spoke of empowering people like Lance Shrump, a cancer survivor with a prosthetic leg, who joined him on a fireball chase in Georgia. Shrump’s discovery not only earned him financial support but also solidified his transition from hunter to finder—a moment of triumph that highlights the inclusivity of meteorite hunting.

Arnold’s adventures demonstrate how the hunt for meteorites isn’t just about the find; it’s about fostering a sense of wonder, community, and shared purpose. Each discovery contributes to our understanding of the universe, offering clues about the formation of planets and the origins of life itself.

Embarking on Your Own Adventure

With over 76,000 verified meteorites cataloged by the Meteoritical Society, countless treasures still lie undiscovered. Arnold’s TED Talk wasn’t just a recount of his achievements; it was an invitation. He encouraged the audience to research, gear up, and embark on their own cosmic treasure hunts. Whether in known strewn fields, following fireball sightings, or exploring arid deserts, the thrill of discovery awaits.

As Arnold concluded, “Someday, somewhere out in some strewn field, you’ll come up to me and say, ‘Hey mister, is this one?’” And with that, he extended the joy of meteorite hunting to all, bridging the gap between Earth and the stars.

Steve Arnold’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and adventure. Through his work, he reminds us that pieces of the cosmos are not out of reach—they’re waiting for us to find them.

Sources:

Youtube.com

Tags: meteorite huntingnews

Author: Alex Folta

Alex Folta is the co-founder, the creative head and technical director of the Meteorite Club. With over a decade in business and design experience, Alex is responsible for our widely recognized Meteorite Club design work as well as for all creative and technical processes and questions behind the scenes. His portfolio includes work for global projects, well known brands and companys of the space and astronomy business and beyond. A true northerner in every way, Alex is a lifelong resident of Hanover in Germany and enjoys spending his free time with his daughter Fiona in the nature, watching stars, looking for meteorites or hunting fossils.

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