Antarctic Meteorite Recovery Catalog

The Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) program has recovered over 23,000 meteorite specimens from Antarctica. These samples are curated by NASA, NSF, and the Smithsonian Institution and provide essential ground truth for solar system research. The dataset was updated in March 2024.

Use Cases

• Analyze meteorite type distribution across Antarctic collection sites.
• Correlate recovery location data with meteorite composition classifications.
• Study temporal trends in meteorite discovery rates from field season records.
• Validate planetary formation models using physical sample characteristics documented in the catalog.

Strengths

• Over 23,000 documented meteorite recoveries.
• Samples are curated at a high level and preserved in a stable Antarctic environment.
• Joint management by NASA, NSF, and the Smithsonian ensures authoritative provenance.

Limitations

• Specific sample characteristics, composition data, and geographic coordinates for individual meteorites are not detailed in the provided description.
• The dataset's size, file formats, and exact column structure are unknown.
• The temporal coverage of the collection events is not specified.

Provenance

Source

ANSMET program, jointly managed by NASA, NSF, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Collection Method

Field searches and systematic recovery of meteorites in Antarctica, followed by characterization and curation.

Freshness

Last updated March 2024.

Geography

Antarctica