The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time

by Helen Gordon

A Scientific American Book of the Year 2025

'The Meteorites conjures a small epiphany about our own place in the universe' The Sunday Times

'Dazzling' Financial Times

From your window you can see the stars and distant light years away, it's easy to think that our existences and theirs will never intersect. Yet meteorites - mysterious, irregular rocks of sometimes immense value - connect us with the vastness of the universe. They may have brought the first life to our planet, and today they still reveal extraordinary scientific insights.

Helen Gordon reveals the fascinating stories of fallen meteorites and the lives they've touched - from collectors to kings, scientists to farmers. She meets amateur astronomers and gem dealers, goes meteorite hunting across rooftops and learns what objects moving through space can tell us about the fragility of life on Earth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, History, Nature, Astronomy, Space

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2025

About the author

Helen Gordon is the co-author of Being A Writer and author of Landfall, a novel published by Penguin. Her journalism has appeared in Intelligent Life and the Guardian. She is former associate editor of Granta magazine, lives in London and teaches creative writing at the University of Hertfordshire.

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

⤅ Nonfiction Book of the Month: June 2025

Fairly random collection of chapters on meteorites, a topic which could have been a lot more interesting in the hands of another author - one who didn't have a truly insane number of typos for a published book and didn't intersperse the interesting bits with mock-deep ruminations on the nature of childhood and life or whatever.

[Brian Burphys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helen Gordon’s The Meteorites, Encounters with Outer Space & Deep Time is a comprehensive, competent and fascinating introduction into the world of meteorites, the study of meteorites and how much they have been influencing the planet and humanity for longer than the concept of Humans or even the Earth has existed.
The main takeaway I have from this book which is common to any dense piece of non-fiction is that there’s always more. More detail, more stories, more people interested and involved. Scientists usually describe their position as “standing on the shoulders of giants”. This book introduces you to the giants of meteorites. Whether it be the curators, collectors, the “Father of Meteorites” Ernst Chladni or Rob and Cathryn Wilcock who supply a meteorite for study that quite literally landed on their driveway. Gordon straddles the line between keeping the information accurate, fascinating, placing it in an appropriate context while properly crediting her sources and describing the people behind these amazing discoveries.
The passion found in this book is infectious, both from Gordon herself and her revolving door of experts, scientists and enthusiasts. Towards the end Gordon tells about the burning of the Museum of Rio de Janeiro. By this point Gordon has distilled the importance both scientifically and culturally of meteorites. To the extent when you’re told of how the curator of the meteorite exhibit wanted to run into the burning building to save the rocks you understand the inclination. I’m curious how much of this book I retain, despite the dense amount of information I never felt like I was reading a textbook which other non-fiction books sometimes struggle with or I’ve gotten better at paying attention. Without this book I wouldn’t have learned about the Gerzeh Beads, Iron beads forged 2000 years before Iron Age would begin, extracted from a Meteorite in predynastic Egypt. Or I wouldn’t have learned about micro-meteorites which are exactly what you think they are but the story of how they are discovered and classified is another story of enthusiastic madmen determined to document these tiny wonders. There’s a cosmic magic to meteorites, they crash into our planet bubbling with information messengers or destroyers of the wider cosmos. After reading this book you absolutely understand why they are seen as divine will crashing into our small world. I’ve seen a meteor shower a few years ago and especially after reading this I’ve such a deeper appreciation for that experience and definitely wish to repeat it.
Deep time and how large and ancient the galaxy and wider universe are topics which I routinely zone out thinking about which is usually halted by my lack of knowledge, my thoughts are mainly circling the facts and figures I can remember while crying “so cool!” over and over til i remember I’m burning my food or have not been paying attention to the road for a concerning amount of time.
There’s something so humbling about the experience of your mind being so far away then suddenly shunted back into your almost painfully human body which Helen Gordon does not lose sight of in this book. Her passages of cosmic voyagers and powerful gravitational bodies are interrupted by short anecdotes about the humorous interactions she’s had with experts or heard from them. Or from her children showing just how small they and by extension all of us are. I’m not done thinking about this book and if you have even a passing interest in the topic I would highly recommend it.
A very good start to my year.
- 1/35.

[Varsha Ravi]

A very niche, particular subject of meteorites explored in a really accessible, interesting, and thoughtful manner. I don’t foresee becoming a meteorite hunter / collector in my lifetime and neither do I have the resources for that expensive a pursuit, but it’s certainly has sparked my interest to explore areas this book touches on. Both in fiction, non fiction, documentaries, movies and more. Outer space and deep time is infinitely fascinating and reading about it always changes my perspective on life and the nature of time, in a good way.

[Caitlin Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a gorgeous balance of informative and anecdotal, there’s an almost fictional feel to this that made it go down really smoothly. I don’t ever really read non-fiction like this so I loved that it was both an opportunity to learn about things I didn’t really have any background knowledge in and also to see how humans have interacted with them and been affected by them.

Thanks to Helen Gordon and NetGalley for this ARC!!

[Jemima Pett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helen Gordon does a splendid job of leaving no stone unturned in her exploration of the meteorites, their origins, arrivals, discovery, collection, trading, analysis, and general lore. I had no idea there was such a fanatical following for them. Scientific collection is one thing, but those guys with big pockets are buying aesthetically pleasing ones as art sculpture – at old master prices! Yet if you were as lucky as one household in Oxfordshire, you could make a name for yourself with one landing on your front drive.

Helen Gordon must have spent a huge amount of time and money on this research, since she has been to many meteorite landings sites (large and small) and far flung places, interviewing everyone from desert dwellers to convention enthusiasts. Also scientists based in most continents, and with meteorites from every one (Antarctica is heaven since they are easy to see and generally in pristine condition). Some of the interviews have been zoom meetings, but others were definitely geological excursions into very interesting country.

I learnt things about meteorites that I had no clue about. I started to understand why they are so important to unravelling the mystery of life and how/where it formed. Also, why the search for water on Mars is so crucial to our understanding of our origins, and I have probably converted to the ‘life brought about by comets and meteorites’ theory.

I would like to give it five stars and stop there.
And yet. Little things bugged me. First, she’s writing during pregnancy, childbirth and possibly the first three years of her child (how did she do all that travelling and writing during that time?). I forgave her for waxing lyrical about family life in the first chapter, and we got that behind us. But oh no. Most chapters swerve into domestic meanderings at the most inelegant moments. The worst (I think) was when she sent a photo back home of the lovely meteorite she’d just seen. She didn’t have to tell us of the lovely photo of her 3 year-old’s drawings that was sent back, but she did, in detail. The scientist she interviewed over zoom was on maternity leave, but pleased to talk about her research. It was really interesting, but I’m sure the scientist is mortified that the world now knows she was jiggling her toddler on her knee all during the interview.

And then she described a film with a tornado disaster that she ranted about being inaccurate on several counts, when the disaster was a tsunami (and you’ve probably seen it). And the more I thought about it, the more I started to wonder. Why was Helen Gordon qualified to write this book (the writing is very readable, but her other titles are… dubious). Why did these inaccuracies and diversions slip through? Have they been eliminated on final edit, or as an ARC was the content as expected to be published?

Am I just irritated by what could have been a brilliant book being drawn down to maybe 3 stars, if generous? I have no confidence in this book now.

[Matthew Yeldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This scratched an itch. I find meteorites mysterious and transportive; they reveal so much about time and space. The book is entertaining, but limited. There are chapters that wow the reader, but others that are overly long and less interesting. I will always want more outer space and scientific analysis, and less info about trade and conferencing. There are a good number of errors a proofreader should have spotted as well, which started to annoy. The bottom line is the author provides some great anecdotes and has some flare with description; I learned quite a bit and am stoked to learn more. I am disappointed there isn’t a single photograph. That would’ve done wonders.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time by Helen Gordon

In The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time, Helen Gordon presents a captivating exploration of meteorites, weaving together scientific inquiry with personal narrative and historical context. This book serves not only as an introduction to the fascinating world of meteorites but also as a profound reflection on humanity’s relationship with the cosmos and the concept of deep time.

Content Overview
Gordon structures the book around key themes that encapsulate the significance of meteorites, drawing connections between their celestial origins and their impact on Earth’s history. The narrative includes vivid descriptions of various meteorite falls, the individuals who collect them, and the scientific communities that study them. Gordon’s approach is multifaceted, encompassing aspects of astronomy, geology, and cultural history, which enriches the reader’s understanding of meteorites as both scientific artifacts and objects of wonder.

The book begins with a detailed account of famous meteorite events, providing historical and scientific context to these phenomena. Gordon delves into the processes that lead to meteorite formation and their eventual landing on Earth, effectively explaining complex concepts such as the differences between various types of meteorites—stony, iron, and chondrites—as well as their implications for understanding the solar system.

Thematic Exploration
Several key themes emerge throughout The Meteorites:

The Nature of Deep Time: Gordon employs the concept of deep time to situate meteorites within the larger narrative of the universe. She emphasizes that these ancient objects carry stories that span billions of years, allowing readers to contemplate the vastness of geological and cosmic time.

Human Encounters with the Cosmos: The book captures the human fascination with meteorites, reflecting on how these celestial objects inspire wonder and inquiry. Gordon includes accounts of amateur and professional meteorite hunters, illustrating the thrill of discovery and the stories behind notable finds.

Scientific Significance: Gordon discusses the scientific value of meteorites in understanding planetary formation and the origins of life. She explores how meteorites provide crucial insights into the conditions that prevailed in the early solar system, making them vital for contemporary research in planetary science.

Cultural Impact: The book examines the cultural interpretations of meteorites across history, from ancient civilizations that viewed them as omens to modern-day collectors and scientists. Gordon effectively demonstrates how meteorites have influenced art, literature, and collective human mythology.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations: Gordon addresses the ethical implications of collecting meteorites, particularly in relation to indigenous lands and the responsibilities of collectors and researchers. This discussion invites readers to consider the stewardship of scientific resources and the impact of human actions on both Earth and space environments.

Style and Accessibility
Helen Gordon’s writing style is engaging and accessible, characterized by her ability to blend narrative storytelling with scientific detail. She employs vivid imagery and poetic language to bring the subject matter to life, making complex topics understandable for readers regardless of their prior knowledge in the field. The inclusion of illustrations, photographs, and maps enhances the reader’s experience and aids in visualizing the topics discussed.

Practical Implications
The Meteorites is an invaluable resource for a diverse audience, including students, educators, hobbyists, and anyone interested in space and planetary sciences. By articulating the scientific, historical, and cultural dimensions of meteorites, Gordon encourages readers to appreciate the broader implications of these celestial treasures. The book can serve as a supplementary text for courses in geology, astronomy, and environmental science, fostering curiosity and dialogue about the connections between humanity and the cosmos.

Conclusion
In The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time, Helen Gordon successfully merges adventure, science, and history to deliver a compelling narrative about meteorites and their significance. Through her exploration of these celestial objects, Gordon not only enhances our understanding of the universe but also provokes reflections on humanity’s place within it. This book is a significant contribution to the literature on space exploration and planetary science, inviting readers to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos while considering their own relationship with deep time and the natural world.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter of this detailed, readable look at the science of meteorites, focuses on a separate issue. The historic finds in England. A massive fall in prehistoric Australia which wiped out local life and threw boulders about the area. Ditto in Europe. The mass sales from Morocco due to a combination of desert preservation and nomadic folks looking at the ground as they walk. A meteorite fan meet; and sales. A French fall witnessed in 1500s, the stone preserved in the church for generations. Micrometeorites, space dust. The finding of comet Shoemaker-Levy-9, which collided with Jupiter. And quite a bit about the off-earthly origins of such rocks, their composition and how science patiently unravels their mysteries. With up to date mentions of Bennu, Ryugu and Martian and Lunar meteorites, we are also reminded that Antarctica with its blanket of white is a great place to find black burnt stones.
I enjoyed the interviews with people who'd handled the rocks and their thoughts on the topic. The author intersperses them with mentions of her work researching during Covid lockdowns.
Notes start on P. 231. No photos in my e-ARC, which is a crying shame. But there's always the Web.

I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Jen Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full transparency: I picked up this book because of the pretty cover. I know very little about the extraterrestrial - in fact, I find the magnitude of space quite overwhelming - but I do like to be challenged by something new. And this paid off, because I found The Meteorites a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read.

In Gordon's hands, meteorites are not only a scientific subject, but also historical, cultural and economic objects. We delve into the stories of specific falls and finds, and meet the dealers, hunters and geologists involved in the meteorite community across the world. The blend of these individual voices really brings the subject to life, making it accessible without losing the attention to detail of a committed researcher. Her enthusiasm for her subject is contagious; my Google search history is now full of images of space rocks.

An original and engaging read, The Meteorites gave me a whole new perspective on our planet and outer space.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Autumn Kotsiuba · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off: Beautiful cover.

The main reason I'm rating this 3 stars is because I loved some parts and had to stop myself from skimming others. The parts I enjoyed (like how scientists work to prevent astroid strikes) were great but short, while other parts (the unofficial market for meteorites) lagged. I also felt like the book was more focused about the history of meteorites than the meteorites themselves, if that makes sense.

It's definitely still worth a read, though. I learned some interesting facts that will stick with me. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no clue what I was expecting. But I enjoyed myself a bit too much. I like how the author intertwined personal stories not only from her but also from other scientists.
I ended up learning a lot and found myself craving more meteorite knowledge.

I think this is a great book for beginners when it comes to geology and outer space knowledge.

"This is what Earth should look like. Battered, bruised, scarred. Erosion is an act of forgetting. It makes our fragile, exposed planet feem safer; soothes us with false securities. It can't happen here. It can't happen to us. But of course, it can and, one day, statistically speaking, it will."

[Kieren · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Generations of men - and now women - [watch] over the meteorites. I could see the appeal of it. To be part of a chain of care. The painstaking curation of the past."

The Meteorites is a well-researched, varied and accessible introduction to space rocks of many kinds. I quickly picked up on the lingo, of how meteors all have names, what a chondrite is, the various acronyms scattered throughout. I never felt lost in this book, though it's science-heavy: I feel like the author did an excellent job of giving you enough of the science to clarify things without mystifying.

I loved how broad this was, spanning many continents and everything from science to history to
economics and art.

Altogether an excellent nature/science book, and one that I would definitely recommend!

(I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review!)

[Matthew Whyndham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good all in all. Certainly not as technical as the usual non fic I tend to read, eg I had to hunt for the references, but I certainly learned quite a bit. As well as meteorites, it seemed that one of the subjects was the author’s experience of researching this book. So we get a fair bit of reflective stuff about the mood of a conference or the mechanics of zoom calls. Involving and humanising I suppose, though I could get along quite easily without that layer.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable and interesting book but i think it could've been hugely improved by photos/pictures/diagrams of any of the things mentioned! I was disappointed there's not a single picture in the whole book.
And the last chapter is a depressing end. 😔

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I didn’t know what to expect when I requested “The Meteorites”, but it was more than I could have hoped for. The history, science and geology of meteorites is wrapped up in anecdotal stories about how our understanding of meteorites has grown over the last few centuries, and the people involved. I’d recommend it to anyone who has an interest of astronomy, geology or history.

Thanks to Helen Gordon, Profile Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, in return for an honest review.