Jason Snyder

My journey to reach the stars began in North-Eastern Pennsylvania, where I was born and raised. Many nights I would go outside looking up at the clear beautiful sky and stars, dreaming about space and what it would be like.

 

After high school, I joined the United States Air Force and my career allowed me to travel to see the world. I eventually retired and decided to settle down in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Since I always had a passion for looking-up, I furthered my curiosity by purchasing a telescope in 1995 and then joining a local astronomy club or two and spent many more nights outside star gazing. In 2005, I decided to explore the outdoors more, but during the daylight hours. Another one of my interests sprouted from a colleague who wanted to go gold panning, looking for gold in the local area. So, I decided to buy a gold pan, but really wanted to metal detect and jumped in with both feet, knee deep. After hearing about an outing down at Gold Basin Arizona, I decided to attend and try my luck at finding some gold. Unfortunately, I didn't find any gold but I got my first real taste of meteorite hunting. That day, I found a 65 gram Gold Basin L-4/6 Chondrite that came from outer space. One of the original finders of the field, John Blennart, confirmed my find and from that day I was hooked on meteorites!!!!

 

Ever since, I have been searching for meteorites in the local strewn fields as well as hunting new ground. I enjoy learning about these 'rocks from space' and love the thrill of the hunt. Each hunt is a new adventure, but the real treasure is enjoying outdoors and exploring new territory. I am always up for an adventure whenever or wherever the opportunity presents itself. To be the first one to hold a piece of outer space is truly, "Out of this World!"