The Documentary Podcast From rocks to riches
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Dec 3, 2025 Join Professor Sarah Russell, a planetary scientist who delves into meteorite classification, along with Professor Idi Umaru Amadou, an archaeology expert discussing cultural heritage laws, and Daryl Pitt, a meteorite dealer sharing insights on the auction market. Discover the thrill of meteorite hunts and how private collectors impact scientific access. Unravel the legality of meteorite exports and the challenges regulators face. The conversation explores how the commercial market is reshaping the study of these celestial treasures.
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Life-Changing Find Sparks Full-Time Hunting
- Roberto Vargas sold meteorites after a Costa Rica fall and made over $40,000, which prompted him to quit his job and hunt full-time.
- He describes the thrill of finding pieces older than the planets and being the first person to touch them.
Immediate Rush To Recover Fresh Falls
- Meteorite hunters rush to search immediately after a fall, sometimes with dozens competing in the same area.
- Hunters describe high excitement and even conflict over the best pieces as demand has grown.
Tech And Cameras Boost Meteorite Discoveries
- Improved camera networks, dashcams and social media have dramatically increased fireball detections and helped hunters find falls.
- There are now over 78,000 officially named meteorites but many more likely land unseen or in the sea.