WHAT IS THE METEORITICAL SOCIETY
Meteorite Science
The Meteoritical Society is the primary international scientific organization dedicated to the study of meteorites, asteroids, comets, and planetary science. It maintains the Meteoritical Bulletin, the definitive classification database for all known meteorites, and publishes the journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science.
History and Mission
The Meteoritical Society was founded in 1933, making it one of the oldest planetary science organizations in the world. Its members include researchers from universities, government agencies, and research institutions worldwide who study extraterrestrial materials and the processes that shaped the solar system.
The Society's mission is to advance and promote the study of extraterrestrial materials and their bearing on the origin and evolution of the solar system. Its members include the researchers who classify meteorites, develop analytical techniques, and interpret what meteorites tell us about solar system history. The Society holds an annual international symposium that is the primary venue for presenting new meteorite research and classification findings.
What the Society Does
The Nomenclature Committee
The Meteoritical Society's Nomenclature Committee is responsible for approving meteorite names and classifications before they appear in the Bulletin. The Committee ensures that classification standards are consistently applied across thousands of specimens submitted by researchers worldwide.
The classification process requires laboratory analysis by a qualified researcher, who submits the data to the Committee for review. Disputes about classification, including debates about whether two specimens represent the same fall or belong to the same parent body group, are adjudicated by the Committee. Its decisions define the official scientific record.
A meteorite cannot be considered officially classified without a Meteoritical Bulletin entry approved by the Nomenclature Committee. That entry is the baseline of provenance for any classified specimen.
Why This Matters for Collectors
Meteoritical Society standards and Meteoritical Bulletin citations are the basis by which reputable dealers and researchers operate. When a dealer provides a Bulletin link with a specimen, they are providing access to the Society's official record, independently verifiable proof that the classification is scientifically legitimate.
Every classified meteorite sold by Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. includes a direct link to its Meteoritical Bulletin entry. That link connects the specific specimen to the Society's official classification record, which you can verify independently before or after purchase. Unclassified material is clearly labeled as such and does not carry a Bulletin citation.
Collectors who want to engage more deeply with meteorite science can access the Society's publications, attend the annual symposium, and use the Bulletin as a research tool. The journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science publishes classification data and findings relevant to any serious collector's reference library.
Related Guides
Browse Classified Specimens
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meteoritical Society the same as the Meteoritical Bulletin?
No, but they are closely connected. The Meteoritical Society is the scientific organization. The Meteoritical Bulletin is the database it maintains. Think of the Society as the institution and the Bulletin as the official record it publishes and oversees.
Can anyone access the Meteoritical Bulletin?
Yes. The Bulletin database is publicly accessible at no cost at lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php. No login or membership is required. You can search by meteorite name and verify any classification independently.
Do you need to be a scientist to join the Meteoritical Society?
No. The Meteoritical Society accepts individual memberships from collectors, enthusiasts, and members of the public with an interest in meteoritics and planetary science, not only professional researchers. Membership provides access to the journal and meeting discounts.
What is the Nomenclature Committee?
The Nomenclature Committee is the body within the Meteoritical Society responsible for reviewing and approving meteorite classifications before they are entered in the Bulletin. It ensures consistent application of classification standards and adjudicates disputes about naming, pairing, and group assignments.
How long does it take for a meteorite to be classified in the Bulletin?
The timeline varies. Once a researcher submits classification data, the Nomenclature Committee reviews it, and approved entries are published in batches as new Bulletin issues. The process can take several months from submission to publication depending on the volume of submissions and any queries raised during review.
