Meteorite identification and meteorite hunting are difficult challenges. They are connected hand in glove. You can not find true meteorites without knowing what they look like and what their characteristics are. Being that they are the rarest material on the earth it is really important that as you look at million of rocks during your hunting that you be able to recognize that one single stone that is not from here but from space.
There have been times during my life as I learned the many different interests that I pursue that I wished there was a class at the local college or rec center where I could get some knowledge from an expert. When I first got interested in antiquarian horology (fixing old clocks) about forty years ago there was a night class at the local senior center and it was amazing what I learned in a few months going just one night a week. There was an expert in the field who was there to teach and guide us as we worked on our first clocks.
“The Expert Video Guide to Meteorite Identification In the Field and in the Laboratory” is a new DVD created by Aerolite Meteorites. It stars Geoffery Notkin as the instructor. His rich experience in all things meteorite is brought to the screen as he teaches the viewer how to recognize each of the main groups of meteorites. Like that old gentleman that taught me what to do and what not to do when restoring antique clocks, Geoffrey Notkin does the same for the fledgling meteorite enthusiast. Beginning in the Saharan Desert he shows the viewer a selection of rocks that are not meteorites and the characteristics they lack to be considered candidates while hunting. He compares the false stones to a true meteorite there in the actual field as in the background members of an expedition are hunting far off in the distance.
In the Laboratory portion of the video, the three main families of meteorites are shown and described in clear language with fine, often beautiful examples. This is the kind of near hands-on training that wonderfully encourages the viewer to learn more. The mystery and confusion of all the different types of meteorites with their varying characteristics are discussed in an easy to understand style in a kind of Mr. Wizard science-friendly atmosphere.
After watching this video the viewer should have a better understanding of where meteorites come from and how they formed and why they are different from type to type. The shared characteristics of all meteorites will be understood and available to viewers who wish to give hunting meteorites a try. Maybe on one of the meteorite hunting adventures that are organized and lead by Geoffrey Notkin and his team. Being able to dismiss nearly all the non-meteorites or meteorwrongs as we call them makes the haystack much smaller to find that one meteorite needle. It always remains a challenge but that is part of the fun.
Near the end of the video, Mr. Notkin discusses the tools of the meteorite hunter and how they work for just a bit of time. To learn more about hunting meteorites the information is provided in the video on how to obtain his award-winning book “How to Find Treasures from Space.” It continues the instruction now that the viewer knows what they are hunting for.
On a personal note, I enjoyed the video. Geoffrey Notkin is a long time dear friend and as I watched the video I had a big “Oh My” moment as I saw something relating to myself. Geoffrey has a friendly and engaging manner that makes watching him speak very entertaining. You may not realize that you are receiving tremendously valuable information as you watch his easy-going style of instruction. Of course, the very high quality of the video and the graphics help the enjoyment of learning also. This video gets a big thumbs up from me.
To order the video you can use the following link The Expert Video Guide to Meteorite Identification in the Field and in the Laboratory (Blu-Ray).
