Complete Meteorite Science Programme: Course Index and 31-Module Syllabus

Learn meteorite science step by step, from origins and identification to laboratory methods, planetary research, conservation, responsible trade and famous meteorite sales.

Publication status - 26 October 2026: All 31 modules are published, containing 186 written lessons. Each module links to its six lessons below. The course includes educational review questions, answer explanations, original diagrams, references and level assessments.

How to study

Begin with Level 1 and follow the modules in order. Keep a notebook of definitions, observations, sources and questions. Published photographs and reference data can support introductory study without buying specimens. Laboratory work requires appropriate facilities, training and supervision.

The original 30-module sequence is preserved, with the requested additional Module 31 on famous meteorite sales. The earlier 12-module outline proposed 12 weeks and 120 guided hours; those planning figures are not a validated workload for this expanded course. No accreditation, professional licence or authority to classify meteorites is conferred.

Find your level

• Level 1: Foundation - Modules 1-6
• Level 2: Intermediate - Modules 7-12
• Level 3: Professional Laboratory - Modules 13-18
• Level 4: Advanced Science - Modules 19-24
• Level 5: Research and Professional Practice - Modules 25-30
• Module 31: Famous Meteorite Sales

Level 1: Foundation

Meteorite Science Module 1: Introduction, Origins, History and Famous Falls

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 1.

1. 1.1 Definition, history and scope of meteoritics
2. 1.2 Meteoroids, meteors, meteorites and micrometeorites
3. 1.3 Historical development of meteorite science
4. 1.4 Importance of meteorites in planetary research
5. 1.5 Famous meteorite falls and discoveries
6. 1.6 Careers and research opportunities in meteoritics

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Meteorite Science Module 2: Formation of the Solar System

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 2.

1. 2.1 Origin and formation of the Solar System
2. 2.2 The solar nebula and planetary accretion
3. 2.3 Formation of asteroids, comets and planets
4. 2.4 Early Solar System materials and processes
5. 2.5 Planetary differentiation and parent bodies
6. 2.6 Meteorites as records of Solar System history

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Meteorite Science Module 3: Meteoroids and Atmospheric Entry

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 3.

1. 3.1 Origin and movement of meteoroids
2. 3.2 Meteoroid orbits and trajectories
3. 3.3 Atmospheric entry and heating
4. 3.4 Ablation, fragmentation and fusion crust
5. 3.5 Fireballs, bolides and meteor showers
6. 3.6 Meteorite falls, strewn fields and impact events

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Meteorite Science Module 4: Physical Properties of Meteorites

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 4.

1. 4.1 Meteorite shapes and surface characteristics
2. 4.2 Fusion crust and regmaglypts
3. 4.3 Colour, texture and internal structure
4. 4.4 Density, specific gravity and porosity
5. 4.5 Magnetic properties and metallic content
6. 4.6 Weathering, oxidation and surface alteration

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Meteorite Science Module 5: Basic Meteorite Identification

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 5.

1. 5.1 Principles of preliminary identification
2. 5.2 Visual examination and specimen photography
3. 5.3 Magnetism, mass and density measurements
4. 5.4 Recognizing common meteorite features
5. 5.5 Distinguishing meteorites from terrestrial rocks
6. 5.6 Preparing a preliminary identification worksheet

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Meteorite Science Module 6: Recovery, Documentation and Level 1 Examination

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 6.

1. 6.1 Where meteorites are found
2. 6.2 Meteorite search methods and field safety
3. 6.3 Field observations and GPS documentation
4. 6.4 Recovery techniques and contamination prevention
5. 6.5 Specimen labeling, provenance and chain of custody
6. 6.6 Practical case study and Level 1 examination

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Level 2: Intermediate

Meteorite Science Module 7: Meteorite Mineralogy

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 7.

1. 7.1 Introduction to extraterrestrial minerals
2. 7.2 Olivine, pyroxene and feldspar minerals
3. 7.3 Iron-nickel alloys: kamacite and taenite
4. 7.4 Troilite, phosphates and accessory minerals
5. 7.5 Rare minerals and high-pressure phases
6. 7.6 Mineral identification using reference specimens

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Meteorite Science Module 8: Chondrites and Their Classification

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 8.

1. 8.1 Definition and formation of chondrites
2. 8.2 Ordinary chondrites: H, L and LL groups
3. 8.3 Carbonaceous chondrite groups
4. 8.4 Enstatite chondrites and other recognized groups
5. 8.5 Chondrules, matrix and refractory inclusions
6. 8.6 Petrologic types, shock stages and weathering grades

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Meteorite Science Module 9: Achondrites and Differentiated Meteorites

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 9.

1. 9.1 Introduction to achondrites
2. 9.2 Primitive achondrites
3. 9.3 HED meteorites: howardites, eucrites and diogenites
4. 9.4 Angrites, aubrites and other achondrite groups
5. 9.5 Magmatic processes and planetary differentiation
6. 9.6 Achondrite textures and classification case studies

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Meteorite Science Module 10: Iron Meteorites

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 10.

1. 10.1 Origin and formation of iron meteorites
2. 10.2 Iron-nickel mineralogy and composition
3. 10.3 Chemical classification of iron meteorites
4. 10.4 Structural characteristics and metallography
5. 10.5 Widmanstätten patterns and their interpretation
6. 10.6 Iron meteorites versus terrestrial metallic materials

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Meteorite Science Module 11: Stony-Iron Meteorites

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 11.

1. 11.1 Introduction to stony-iron meteorites
2. 11.2 Pallasites and their mineralogy
3. 11.3 Mesosiderites and their formation
4. 11.4 Metal-silicate textures and relationships
5. 11.5 Formation models and parent-body processes
6. 11.6 Identification and classification case studies

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Meteorite Science Module 12: Meteorite Petrography and Terrestrial Lookalikes

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 12.

1. 12.1 Introduction to meteorite petrography
2. 12.2 Chondrules, matrix and brecciation
3. 12.3 Shock features and impact-related deformation
4. 12.4 Terrestrial basalt, magnetite and hematite
5. 12.5 Industrial slag, smelting products and pseudometeorites
6. 12.6 Comparative petrography and Level 2 examination

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Level 3: Professional Laboratory

Meteorite Science Module 13: Laboratory Procedures and Specimen Management

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 13.

1. 13.1 Laboratory safety and risk assessment
2. 13.2 Specimen receipt and registration
3. 13.3 Non-destructive examination procedures
4. 13.4 Sample preparation and contamination control
5. 13.5 Specimen storage and laboratory records
6. 13.6 Standard operating procedures and documentation

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Meteorite Science Module 14: Optical Microscopy and Petrographic Analysis

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 14.

1. 14.1 Stereomicroscopy of meteorites
2. 14.2 Reflected-light microscopy
3. 14.3 Transmitted-light polarizing microscopy
4. 14.4 Thin sections and polished sections
5. 14.5 Identification of minerals and textures
6. 14.6 Photomicrography and petrographic reporting

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Meteorite Science Module 15: Physical and Mineralogical Testing

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 15.

1. 15.1 Accurate mass and dimensional measurements
2. 15.2 Density and specific gravity methods
3. 15.3 Magnetic susceptibility and magnetic response
4. 15.4 Hardness, streak and destructive-test limitations
5. 15.5 Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction
6. 15.6 Interpretation of physical and mineralogical results

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Meteorite Science Module 16: Electron Microscopy and Elemental Analysis

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 16.

1. 16.1 Principles of scanning electron microscopy
2. 16.2 SEM imaging and microstructural examination
3. 16.3 Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
4. 16.4 Electron probe microanalysis
5. 16.5 X-ray fluorescence and elemental screening
6. 16.6 Analytical errors, calibration and quality control

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Meteorite Science Module 17: Meteorite Geochemistry and Advanced Instrumentation

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 17.

1. 17.1 Major, minor and trace elements
2. 17.2 Geochemical characteristics of meteorite groups
3. 17.3 ICP-MS and related analytical methods
4. 17.4 Stable and radiogenic isotope measurements
5. 17.5 Oxygen isotopes and meteorite classification
6. 17.6 Integrating mineralogical and chemical evidence

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Meteorite Science Module 18: Professional Identification and Laboratory Reporting

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 18.

1. 18.1 Designing a scientific examination workflow
2. 18.2 Separating observations from interpretations
3. 18.3 Evaluating competing identification hypotheses
4. 18.4 Reporting uncertainty and analytical limitations
5. 18.5 Preparing preliminary meteorite examination reports
6. 18.6 Laboratory case study and Level 3 examination

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Level 4: Advanced Science

Meteorite Science Module 19: Lunar Meteorites

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 19.

1. 19.1 Geology and evolution of the Moon
2. 19.2 Origin and delivery of lunar meteorites
3. 19.3 Lunar highland and mare materials
4. 19.4 Lunar breccias and impact processes
5. 19.5 Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics
6. 19.6 Scientific evidence for lunar origin

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Meteorite Science Module 20: Martian Meteorites

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 20.

1. 20.1 Geology and evolution of Mars
2. 20.2 Martian meteorite groups and terminology
3. 20.3 Shergottites, nakhlites and chassignites
4. 20.4 Martian atmospheric evidence
5. 20.5 Martian meteorite mineralogy and geochemistry
6. 20.6 Research case studies and origin verification

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Meteorite Science Module 21: Cosmochemistry and Isotope Science

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 21.

1. 21.1 Introduction to cosmochemistry
2. 21.2 Element formation and Solar System abundances
3. 21.3 Stable isotopes and isotope fractionation
4. 21.4 Radiometric dating and geochronology
5. 21.5 Cosmic-ray exposure ages
6. 21.6 Isotopic evidence for parent-body relationships

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Meteorite Science Module 22: Micrometeorites and Cosmic Dust

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 22.

1. 22.1 Definition and sources of micrometeorites
2. 22.2 Cosmic dust and interplanetary particles
3. 22.3 Micrometeorite collection and contamination risks
4. 22.4 Microscopic and chemical examination
5. 22.5 Distinguishing cosmic particles from industrial particles
6. 22.6 Scientific research and micrometeorite datasets

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Meteorite Science Module 23: Impact Geology and Shock Metamorphism

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 23.

1. 23.1 Impact processes and crater formation
2. 23.2 Shock waves and high-pressure mineral phases
3. 23.3 Impact melts and impact breccias
4. 23.4 Tektites, impact glasses and related materials
5. 23.5 Recognizing terrestrial impact structures
6. 23.6 Impact case studies and planetary implications

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Meteorite Science Module 24: Advanced Meteorite Classification and Research

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 24.

1. 24.1 Modern meteorite taxonomy
2. 24.2 Classification using mineral chemistry
3. 24.3 Oxygen isotopes and multi-method evidence
4. 24.4 Meteorite nomenclature and published records
5. 24.5 Interpreting the Meteoritical Bulletin Database
6. 24.6 Advanced classification exercise and Level 4 examination

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Level 5: Research and Professional Practice

Meteorite Science Module 25: Meteorite Research Methodology

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 25.

1. 25.1 Identifying a research problem
2. 25.2 Scientific literature review
3. 25.3 Research questions and hypothesis development
4. 25.4 Sampling strategies and experimental design
5. 25.5 Data collection and statistical interpretation
6. 25.6 Research ethics and reproducibility

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Meteorite Science Module 26: Scientific Reporting and Publication

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 26.

1. 26.1 Structure of a scientific research paper
2. 26.2 Writing abstracts and introductions
3. 26.3 Materials, methods and analytical results
4. 26.4 Scientific figures, tables and photographs
5. 26.5 Discussion, conclusions and references
6. 26.6 Peer review and responsible scientific publication

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Meteorite Science Module 27: Laboratory Quality Assurance

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 27.

1. 27.1 Principles of laboratory quality management
2. 27.2 Standard operating procedures
3. 27.3 Calibration, traceability and reference materials
4. 27.4 Measurement uncertainty and method validation
5. 27.5 Internal quality control and proficiency testing
6. 27.6 ISO/IEC 17025 principles and laboratory competence

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Meteorite Science Module 28: Meteorite Conservation and Museum Management

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 28.

1. 28.1 Causes of meteorite deterioration
2. 28.2 Corrosion, oxidation and humidity control
3. 28.3 Safe handling, storage and packaging
4. 28.4 Conservation documentation and condition assessment
5. 28.5 Museum collections and digital cataloguing
6. 28.6 Long-term preservation of research specimens

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Meteorite Science Module 29: Meteorite Trade, Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 29.

1. 29.1 Scientific value versus commercial value
2. 29.2 Provenance, ownership and authenticity claims
3. 29.3 Responsible meteorite collecting and trading
4. 29.4 Certificates, commercial descriptions and misrepresentation
5. 29.5 National laws, international trade and export requirements
6. 29.6 Professional ethics and communication with the public

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Meteorite Science Module 30: Final Research Project and Professional Assessment

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 30.

1. 30.1 Selecting a meteorite research topic
2. 30.2 Preparing a research proposal
3. 30.3 Specimen examination or reference-data analysis
4. 30.4 Scientific interpretation and report preparation
5. 30.5 Research presentation and oral defense
6. 30.6 Comprehensive final examination and project evaluation

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Meteorite Science Module 31: Famous Meteorite Sales

Published: Read all six lessons in Module 31.

1. 31.1 Reading auction records: estimates, hammer prices and buyer premiums
2. 31.2 Documented sales of famous iron meteorites
3. 31.3 Documented sales of lunar and Martian meteorites
4. 31.4 Comparing mass, classification, condition and provenance
5. 31.5 Checking authenticity claims and separating price from scientific value
6. 31.6 Source-based sales case study and review

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Using evidence responsibly

Read the scientific sources linked in each module. Clearly marked hypothetical examples are teaching exercises. Classification, collection permissions, specimen treatment and commercial claims require appropriate evidence and current, location-specific checks. Historical auction results do not establish present value or future returns.