r/meteorites Subreddit Stats and Best Posting Times

What to Post and How to Rank on r/meteorites

Best Topics & Content Types

Based on community patterns observed in meteorite-related discussions, posts featuring verified meteorite specimens with clear documentation perform exceptionally well in r/meteorites. High-quality photographs showing fusion crust, regmaglypts, and interior cross-sections accompanied by location details and collection circumstances consistently generate engagement. The community particularly values posts that include scientific context such as classification details (chondrite, achondrite, iron, stony-iron), oxygen isotope data, or petrographic analysis. Text posts asking for help identifying potential meteorites must include multiple angles, scale references like rulers or coins, and information about magnetic properties to avoid immediate dismissal as "meteorwrongs" [sites.wustl.edu](https://sites.wustl.edu/meteoritesite/items/what_to_do/). Educational content about meteorite types and their formation processes similar to the explanatory approach found in meteorite guides [meteoritestheblog.com](https://meteoritestheblog.com/meteorites-a-very-short-guide/) also sees strong participation, especially when connecting meteorite science to current events like asteroid missions or recent falls.

Writing Style & Tone

The community responds best to precise but accessible language that avoids unnecessary jargon while maintaining scientific accuracy. Posts that demonstrate genuine curiosity and respect for the subject matter succeed where those displaying overconfidence about unverified finds fail. The tone should be professional yet approachable, mirroring the informative but candid style seen in expert meteorite identification resources. Humor is acceptable when self-deprecating about identification challenges but rejected when mocking newcomers' questions. Technical terms like "chondrule," "fusion crust," and "regmaglypt" are expected when properly contextualized, but excessive academic language without explanation creates barriers. The subreddit favors contributors who acknowledge the difficulty of meteorite identification while providing clear, evidence-based reasoning for their conclusions.

What Gets Upvoted

Highly upvoted content consistently demonstrates thorough documentation and scientific rigor. Posts featuring verified meteorites with institutional provenance or witnessed falls receive immediate attention, particularly those including comparative analysis with similar specimens. Educational content explaining meteorite classification systems or differentiation from terrestrial lookalikes like slag performs well when presented with visual aids. The community heavily upvotes posts that correct common misconceptions with authoritative sources, such as explaining why vesicular textures or quartz content definitively rule out meteorite identification [sites.wustl.edu](https://sites.wustl.edu/meteoritesite/items/what_to_do/). Contributions that include scale references, magnetic test results, and contextual information about find locations consistently outperform those lacking these critical details. Posts connecting meteorite science to broader astronomical events or space missions also generate significant engagement when properly substantiated.

What to Avoid

The community immediately rejects posts lacking essential identification details, particularly those claiming meteorite status without evidence of fusion crust, magnetic properties, or density measurements. Posts insisting a found object is a meteorite despite lacking key characteristics generate strong negative reactions, mirroring the frustration expressed in professional meteorite identification resources [sites.wustl.edu](https://sites.wustl.edu/meteoritesite/items/what_to_do/). Self-promotional content selling meteorites without proper verification or documentation violates community trust. Speculative claims about lunar or Martian origins for unverified finds are routinely dismissed, as experts note these represent an extremely small fraction of meteorites. Posts repeating debunked myths like "it wasn't there yesterday" without corroborating evidence from multiple witnesses face immediate downvotes. The community particularly dislikes posts that ignore standard identification protocols outlined in community resources.

Posting Tips

Successful contributors always include multiple high-resolution images showing different angles, interior composition when possible, and clear scale references using common objects. Titles should specify meteorite type if known (e.g., "L6 Chondrite found in Kansas prairie") rather than vague claims like "Is this space rock?" The optimal posting time aligns with evening hours in North America when both professional researchers and serious collectors are active. When seeking identification help, frame questions around specific characteristics rather than seeking blanket confirmation, demonstrating you've done preliminary research using available resources. Respond promptly and thoughtfully to follow-up questions from community members, as engagement with knowledgeable users significantly boosts post visibility. Most importantly, approach the community with humility and respect for the scientific process, acknowledging the high frequency of meteorwrongs while providing complete documentation to enable proper assessment.