Mike's Astro Photos

Meteorite hunters wanted!

Currently seeking candidates for Meteorite Hunter and Team Leader positions.

A successful Mason Dixon Meteorite Hunter will:

• be a hardworking, fair minded, determined, persistent, patient and honest person with good moral character
• enjoy nature and being outside
• have attention to detail
• have no criminal record (no felonies)
• be polite and respectful to the locals,
• not use foul language, litter, or use alcohol or drugs while in the field  (if you smoke keep it in the car)
• No experience necessary, we will train you on the job.

As a Meteorite Hunter you will be responsible for searching fields and farm land for meteorites. You will be required to keep track of your search areas on custom maps provided to you and report back to your team leaders regarding search progress. No special equipment or skills are required. If you have a good pair of eyes and an able body you can find meteorites.

Team Leaders will possess the same qualifications as Meteorite Hunters but will have added responsibilities. As a Team Leader you will:

• manage the relationship with the landowner: when needed request permission to search, educate the land owner about meteorites, provide land owner with search updates, and notify them when you arrive and leave the property;
• be assigned specific search areas, you will be responsible for managing these areas, determining when fields will be available for search, determining the window of opportunity before the land is tilled and ultimately making sure that the land in your area is thoroughly searched.
• you will be responsible for recruiting and managing meteorite hunters, organizing and scheduling search parties, coordinating efforts etc.

These positions are volunteer based and should be applied for purely for the fun and excitement of it (however there are other perks). For immediate consideration and more information please contact mike.hankey@gmail.com

I purchased a custom satellite photo of the search area a couple of weeks ago. The photo was taken on July 5th, 2009 one day before the fall. While the picture doesn’t show me where the meteorites are it has been helpful in reviewing the areas I’ve searched or am planning to search. Its a 50 cm resolution photo which means each pixel is 50 cm. The image was almost 200 megs and came in tiff format. Here are two screen caps of the image, one showing the entire image and one showing a smaller area at max resolution.

Bird in Hand satellite photo from July 5th, 2009

One lane bridge satellite photo from July 5th, 2009

I’m in the process of drawing overlays on the maps for all of the places I have searched or other meteorite hunters I’m working with have searched. I plan on publishing these soon and trying to keep them up to date as best I can. Its a lot of work to update the maps, with the info but of critical importance. With more and more people searching and more and more days in the field its easy to forget where you have already been. Here is a search map of an area I’ve been working the last few times I’ve been out.

Searched areas near one lane bridge

I got this email from Rob Matson regarding our current search location.

Farming in Lancaster

Regarding the new video from east Lancaster, Marc wrote:

“I don’t know enough about it (location, direction of view, etc.) to really say anything about how useful that video is.  I can say this, though – this meteor has already yielded far more data and a better set of calculations about its position than the vast bulk of meteors that actually produce meteorites.”

Marc is absolutely right on this score:  it is extremely unusual (and fortunate) to have such good information for a bolide.  Rarely are you able to pinpoint the fall location so accurately.

Marc wrote:

Derik Bower Hunting Meteorites in Lancaster, PA

“Fundamentally, people find meteorites by looking at the ground and covering as much ground as possible.  I’m just saying that from here on out I think time spent best is time spent walking in the fields, whether that’s by you and your colleagues or by motivated locals. Meteorites are probably out there, and we’re not going to improve their estimated location very much.”

While this is all true, there is also an undeniable human psychology that goes along with searching for meteorites where none have yet been found. It is that nagging voice in your head that taunts you with distracting thoughts:  “Am I even close to the right location? What if there is some fundamental error in the calculated impact zone? Is it still possible that the astrophoto recorded something other than the bolide? Could the whole thing have disintegrated to dust and failed to produce discoverable meteorites?”  It’s only human to have these doubts after you’ve spent a fair amount of time looking. Meteorite hunting is far from an exact science, which is part of what makes it so rewarding when you ARE successful.

Levis Fourth Field

So let me give you some words of encouragement. First of all, there are definitely meteorites on the ground somewhere. The entry velocity was slow enough, the bolide was bright enough, fragmentation did occur, and sonic booms were heard/felt. Yes, the comparatively small size of the estimated impact location is entirely due to the tight tolerances imposed by your astrophotograph, so without your photo you’d be stuck searching a much larger area. This is why it’s crucial to rule out alternative possibilities (like airplanes) as being the source of the streaks in your image. I think I’ve done a fairly thorough job of debunking the airplane possibility, so we’re not left with many realistic alternatives. A bolide is by far the most likely remaining choice.

Its also not space junk. This is easily checked (and I always do for especially long- lasting bolides with shallow entry angles), but in this case there is no need. Man-made space debris never reenters at steep angles. Well, not absolutely never — there is one exception: a suborbital trajectory (i.e. missile impact). But I think we can rule that out in this case, seeing as how you don’t live very near Kwajalein Atoll!

This is NOT the Mason Dixon Meteor. My friend Mark emailed me this video after he saw it on an astronomy forum. I lifted the video off of you tube and re-edited it to remove 1:40 minutes of dead time. I then looped the video 5 times so you can see it. It was originally posted as a UFO video, so it could be fake, but some people think it is a fireball meteor. I wanted to put it out there to see what you think. LMK by leaving a comment.

here is the original post from the space.com discussion forum.

—

Google is the best

—

A friend sent me this video. It is the coolest space video I have ever seen.

I had another meteor dream last night. We had found the meteor. Scientists determined the fall was part of a large comet that would collide with Earth on its next pass. Bruce Willis was in it. It was pretty cool.

This picture came in on a comment after I made this post. The pic was so good, I had to promote it to the front page.

Meteor Dream

I’m gonna cut this series short one night, do a combo and post the last 2 maps. Its late and I had a long day in the field searching the sides of roads and talking to farmers and locals. I’m going back tomorrow so I have to get some rest. I will update this post later with the sector detail maps.

While the strewn field map does not have any markers in the blue zone or yellow zone, they are still worth searching and contacting landowners in this area is also a top priority. The blue zone especially could be good as the meteor path crosses it. The yellow zone is west of the current trajectory, so it is slightly lower priority, but should nothing turn up in the other areas this will be next on the list. Landowner contact in the yellow zone is also a top priority.

Mason Dixon Meteor - Blue Zone Map

Mason Dixon Meteor - Yellow Zone

Here is the map for the red zone.

Mason Dixon Meteor - Red Zone Map

The scarecrow in this map represents the 10g marker. It has been suggested that the best place to find meteorites would be inbetween the 10g and 100g markers (100g is in the orange zone). Meteorites in this size range (10g-100g) would be the most plentiful and therefor the easiest to find. These markers are only as good as the calculations which are estimates, so while it is suggested these are the ‘target areas’ there is a margin of error and in reality it could be a few clicks the other way. Contacting all land owners and searching all areas in all 5 of these zones and possibly more zones will be required. Unfortunately its not as easy as going to the exact location marked on a treasure map. Treasure maps are still fun though.

Red Zone - Sectors A, B, C

Red Zone - Sector D

I will be in the search area Friday and Saturday, if you are interested in hunting together send me an email.

Here is the second map in a series of five — The Orange Zone.

Mason Dixon Meteor - Search Zone Orange

The Orange Zone is special because it contains three markers from Marc Fries strewn field map. These markers should not be intended to be an x-marks the spot indicator (trust me I’ve been to them already). They are simply a calculated estimate based on lots of assumptions. They indicate an area where these sized meteorites would be found (if they existed in the first place) and all assumptions were true. With that being said the markers are:

• Dead Tree = 10,000g
• Man Eating Carp = 1,000g
• Cross Roads = 100g

Here are the high zoom maps for the four sub sections.

Orange Zone - Sector A

Orange Zone - Sector B

There is a stream that runs through the middle of the orange zone. In sector A, I saw a big black rock sitting in the middle of the stream. I’m going to walmart to get some black waders before my next outing. I must admit I have already pulled a 30lb black rock out of the stream, turn out to be terrestrial (no I didn’t bring it home with me).

Orange Zone - Sector C

Orange Zone - Sector D

I recommend printing all of the maps and drawing on them with a pen or pencil. Shade in areas you’ve searched. Write notes on the back about land owners and number the notes to the keyed houses on the master maps. I’ve noticed the farmers really love to see their properties on these maps. Use the zoomed in satellite sector maps when talking to the farmers, I’m not sure how they would interpret the skull and cross bones on the pirate maps… Its a little scary

If you are serious about searching and talking with the landowners email me (mike.hankey [AT] gmail.com) and I can give you some tips and set you up with some information packets and other things.

Most of these roads have not been thoroughly searched. If you don’t want to deal with asking for permission, check the ditches and grass on the sides of roads.

Star witness turned star fireball chaser M Gaines has recovered another video of the Mason Dixon Meteor. We cannot publish any details about its location however we can say it was in-between the eastern edge of Lancaster City and the current Rob Matson drop zone. If you are working the trajectory and I know who you are I can confidentially give you the details through email. If you don’t have my email leave a comment. Early analysis of this video confirm the current search location.

The video is very difficult to make out, what you are seeing is the reflection of the meteor on the hood of a truck. You have to watch the video 5-10 times to really see it. Look in the top right corner.

Here is the first map set in a new five part series. I will post one map each night for the next five nights starting tonight.

Mason Dixon Meteor - Green Zone Search Map (Click To Enlarge)

Here are zoomed maps for each of the three sub sections in the green zone.

Mason Dixon Meteor - Green Zone Sector A

On the detailed map we have:

- labeled all roads and identified landmarks
- where possible marked parking locations
- indicated the meteor path and altitude
- sectioned the map into logical sub-zones a, b, c
- identified and numbered all of the land owners. This numbering system is cross referenced against a database I developed using the Lancaster land records that are available online. I know the property owners name, the amount of acreage and any notes regarding meetings with the property owners and in some cases pictures of the properties.

Mason Dixon Meteor - Green Zone Sector B

- where relevant placed clues that indicate key locations in the strewn map field. these markers are not meant to be exact X marks the spot indicators, rather they pin-point an area where certain sized meteorites would likely fall based on the current trajectory. There are 6 markers in the map series, ranging from 10,000g, 1,000g, 100g, 10g, 1g, .1g. This in no way suggests that a 10kg meteorite exists! It simply means that if a 10kg meteorite did exist it would be in this general area. The reality is the trajectory is not 100% perfect so a thorough search of the entire area is needed, but it is recommended to target these specific areas first. I will leave pretty obvious clues in the blog posts that will tip you off to what markers are what.

If you are hunting the meteorites or want to I recommend printing these maps in landscape mode and then drawing on them as you search areas. Essentially scribble on areas that you have searched. Also take notes on the back of the map especially if you talk to land owners. Try to record as much info as possible, their names, addresses, what crops and fields they have, when these fields will be cut / available for searches. I am working with several people on this and they are feeding back their search maps and information to me so I can update the search database. If you want to share your information with send me an email at mike.hankey [AT] gmail.com.

Mason Dixon Meteor - Green Zone Sector C

As I was marking up the maps adding information and notations I couldn’t help feeling like I was making a treasure map, so after I finished enhancing one of them I sent it to my friend Vincent from Paris (A photoshop wizard — guy responsible for Mike Hankey Captain Kirk picture and Mason Dixon Meteor simulation video.) I asked him to give it a treasure map feel. As always he blew me away. I hope you like it. Meteorite hunting is a lot more fun when you ave a treasure map in your hand. Bravo Vincent vous êtes le meilleur.

Its out there.

Here is a quick update on a few different meteor related things:

- Star witness turned fireball chaser, M Gaines has been working the field looking for security videos and he has just found one! I talked to M Gaines tonight and he told me about the video. It is not a direct capture, instead a reflection from a large truck’s windshield. The video comes from a secure location and proper sign off is required to release the video. M Gaines watched the video and after analyzing the information he concluded the video supports the current search location. Gaines was focusing on finding videos between the location where he witnessed the fireball and the current estimated drop zone. I will post the video once it becomes available.
- July 5th, 2009 satellite imagery has been ordered.
- Aerial survey date tentatively set for mid next week. Working on flight plan, GPS programming and camera/equipment acquisition. All leading meteorite experts believe this fireball was a ’standard fall’ and did not leave any significant impact craters that would be visible from 100-200 feet in the air.
- Jeff from Coopersburg, PA wrote me today and tipped me off to the department inside the Air Force that captures, tracks and sometimes shares fireball data. I called them today and talked to someone on the first try. The person I spoke to was very nice, was familiar with what I was talking about and gave me the name and number for the Sergeant in charge of this (I left him a voice mail). I tried to follow up with an email, but I couldn’t get their online form to work, so I wrote him a letter and fedex’d it to him today.
- I’m working on new detailed maps of the search zones. The maps include marked and named roads, identified and numbered properties, land marks and estimated areas for different sized meteorites (based on Marc Fries strewn field map).   I have downloaded all of the land records for this area so I have pretty good data on who and where the land owners are. I’ve also already met and talked to about 15 of them. All of them have been incredibly nice and helpful. I will be posting the maps once they are ready.
- I’ve hired a writer friend of mine to do PR work. She will be putting out some direct mailers to land owners, businesses and churches in the area. She will also be trying to get the Lancaster news paper and other smaller town newspapers to run new stories about the meteorite search.
- I should be in the area talking to land owners and looking around 1-2 times this week/weekend.
- I added an Asteroids video game widget to the right sidebar of the blog. Click yes on the legal terms and conditions to go back to the 80s.
- My back is feeling much better (about 90%), thanks for caring

I got this picture from my wife today with the text:

“Mobile Meteor Headquarters?”

Mobile Meteor Headquarters

This was kind of a surprise. Thanks for the support honey! This should work, but we’ll need to paint it black and air brush a Darth Vadar on there

Satellite Imager

I continued my discussions with the satellite imagery company today and basically said: “what is it going to take to get new pictures of the target area in Lancaster quickly?” The sales guy said:

“Honestly it is a very very very random thing to have data from one day before you need it.  A satellite can only see a given location about every five days; for every location it can see, it can only image well less than 1% of the total area.  If you put this all together, you have about a 0.1% chance of getting an image of any given location inside the US in one year.”

With that being said, what are the chances that you would have the whole requested area photographed 1 day before the requested date!? 0.1% / 365 =

1 in 2.73972603 × 10^-6????? = IMPOSSIBLE!

What are the chances of taking a picture of a fireball meteor through a telescope?

IMPOSSIBLE!

What are the chances of a jack ass backyard astronomer turned meteorite hunter finding meteorites in the cornfields of Amish Pennsylvania?

IMPOSSIBLE!

I see a theme developing here.

Lancaster Corn Maze - Great Fun For the Family!

The July 5th images are incredible and that is a done deal, but I need images after July 6th. If I can find them I will have a perfect before and after comparison. I asked the guy if he could expedite my request if I paid a little more $$$. He said:

“You can pay more for higher priority but typically it is weather that is more important.  You might get lucky and get the data in one week with a new collection – you might get unlucky and not get it in 1 year.  There is no way to control this.  You could pay for rush which gives you the next access over the location, but if the data has 100% cloud cover you still have to pay $10,000!!!”

Regarding magnetic anomaly surveys he said:

“Magnetic sensors exist but is costs about $20,000 to put one up on an airplane and survey an area.”

My meteorite advisers have told me that a magnetic survey of this sort would only detect iron meteorites and not the more common types of meteorite. They also said the mass would have to be 1 ton to get picked up on a magnetic anomaly survey. In essence they have told me there is no chance of a magnetic survey picking up meteorites.

I asked this satellite guy to tell me all of his competitors so I could ask them if they had more recent photos, he said:

“I work with all high resolution color satellites (i.e. 80-cm resolution or better) that exist in the world.  You are welcome to check with other resellers but at this time there is no data over this location.  We are a top 3 reseller in the US market and I assure you that what I am telling you is the truth.”

Bell Helicopter

Personally, despite what the meteorite experts tell me, I think having full satellite imagery over the target area one day before the event happened has some value… well above and beyond the data available on google earth. (the smartest people in the world disagree with me on this).

I believe comparing this ‘before’ data to fresh data will have value. If nothing results from it, it is one less thing I have to think about or consider. If I didn’t do it I would second guess myself to death.

Simultaneously to the satellite information requests I contacted Lancaster Helicopter about doing an aerial survey of the area. They are trained in this art and their location is less than 2 miles away from the target area (go figure). I have contracted them to record roughly 50 square kilometers, this is about 2x the area Rob Matson and Marc Fries have targeted. The survey should take place in 1.5 weeks.

MTB - Best Bank In Maryland & Pennsylvania

I had a meeting today with a few VPs from M&T Bank. The meeting had nothing to do with the meteor, but they were following the story and of course it came up in conversation. I told them they could sponsor the Mason Dixon Meteor, they could put a MTB magnet on the helicopter when we survey the area. They were down with it. It will probably happen.Thanks Michele!

I blew out my back last night setting up my telescope. The last time I had turned the thing on was 7/11 (another cosmic number (love them big bites)). My back is killing me right now. There is no way I’m making it out to the field this weekend. No matter, I’m focusing on the intelligence war right now. I think the back injury is a sign from God telling me to slow down.