Mapping Meteorite Discoveries across the Northeastern United States

Introduction

This interactive map explores recorded meteorite discoveries across northeastern United States and surrounding areas using data from NASA’s Meteorite Landings dataset. Locations are mapped using geographic coordinates, with marker colors distinguishing meteorites observed falling from those discovered after landing. Interactive pop-ups provide additional information about each meteorite, including its classification, mass, and year of discovery or fall.

Data Source and Preparation

The dataset was obtained from NASA’s Meteorite Landings database, which contains recorded meteorite discoveries worldwide. The dataset includes information on meteorite names, classifications, masses, fall status, years, and geographic coordinates.

For this visualization, records were filtered to a geographic bounding box covering the northeastern United States and portions of eastern Canada. Records with missing or invalid coordinates, zero-valued coordinates, or missing and nonpositive mass values were excluded to improve the quality of the mapped data.

Load necessary packages

library(leaflet)
library(sf)
library(tidyverse)
library(maps)
library(dplyr)

Load and filter meteorite dataset

meteorites <- read_csv("Meteorite_Landings.csv")

meteorites_ne <- meteorites |>
  dplyr::filter(
    reclat >= 37,
    reclat <= 47.5,
    reclong >= -80,
    reclong <= -66,
    !is.na(reclat),
    !is.na(reclong),
    reclat != 0,
    reclong != 0,
    !is.na(`mass (g)`),
    `mass (g)` > 0
  )

Interactive Map

1. Symbology

Marker colors represent the meteorite fall status. Orange indicates meteorites observed falling to Earth (Fell), while purple represents peteorites discovered after landing (Found).

pal <- colorFactor(
  palette = c("#FF6D00", "#B026FF"),
  domain = c("Fell", "Found")
)

2. Map Visualization

The interactive map uses a dark CARTO basemap to provide contrast againts the markers. Users can zoom, pan, and selesct individual points to explore additional information about meteorite discoveries.

leaflet(meteorites_ne) |>
  
  # Dark CARTO basemap
  addTiles(
    urlTemplate = paste0(
      "https://basemaps.cartocdn.com/rastertiles/dark_all/{z}/{x}/{y}.png?key=", 
      Sys.getenv("CARTO_API_KEY")
    ),
    attribution = '© OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO'
  ) |>
  
  # Set initial map extent
  setView(
    lng = -72.5,
    lat = 43,
    zoom = 6
  ) |>
  
  # Meteorite markers 
  addCircleMarkers(
    lng = ~reclong,
    lat = ~reclat,
    radius = 5,
    color = ~pal(fall),
    fillColor = ~pal(fall),
    fillOpacity = 0.85,
    stroke = TRUE,
    weight = 0.5,
    
    #Interactive pop-ups 
    popup = ~paste0(
      "<b>", name, "</b><br>",
      "<b>Classification:</b> ", recclass, "<br>",
      "<b>Mass:</b> ", scales::comma(`mass (g)`), " g<br>",
      "<b>Fall Type:</b> ", fall, "<br>",
      "<b>Year:</b> ", year
    ),
    
    label = ~name
  ) |>
 
# Legend
addLegend(
  position = "bottomright",
  pal = pal,
  values = c("Fell", "Found"),
  title = "Meteorite Fall Type",
  opacity = 1
) |>

# Map title
addControl(
  html = "
    <h4 style='color:#4FC3F7;
                background:rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
                padding:8px 12px;
                border-radius:6px;
                font-size:16px;
                font-weight:600;
                margin:0;'>
      Meteorite Discoveries in the Northeast U.S.
    </h4>
    ",
  position = "topright"
)

Exploring the Map

The map allows users to explore the spatial distribution of meteorite discoveries throughout the study area. Selecting individual markers reveals additional information about each meteorite, while the legend provides a reference for interpreting the two fall categories.

The visualization highlights recorded meteorite discoveries across the region and provides an interactive way to explore their locations and characteristics.

Data Source

NASA. Meteorite Landings. https://data.nasa.gov/dataset/meteorite-landings