Episode 37
Ultima Thule (Episode 22) - Cosmic Real Estate (Parts 1 - 4)
What happens when a rock from space falls onto our planet of complex property and ownership rights? Is it finders keepers? Is it owned by whose property it lands on? What if it hits you, do you own it? Welcome to the wild world of ownership rights of meteorites. In this episode we learn about some of the most well known meteorite hunters including Mike Farmer, Robert Ward, Darryl Pitt, and Robert Haag who both compete and collaborate with each other. Learn about Ann Hodges who was hit by a meteorite in the 1950s who ended up having to pay money for the meteorite while a nearby farmer sold another piece of the same meteorite for enough money to buy a house and a car. Auction houses like Bonhams and Christie's have documented what people will pay for all kinds of meteorites and in this episode we explore some of the prices different meteorites go for. Finally, can a meteorite be stolen? We follow the histories of two major meteorites - Willamette and Campo Del Cielo - and explore the ethics of claiming a meteorite for yourself. Owning a piece of the heavens is likely more complex than you originally thought. (22/29)
