The Meteoritical Bulletin

The Meteoritical Society maintains the official system for recognizing and naming meteorites through the Meteoritical Bulletin. This publication is the global reference for approved classifications, providing standardized descriptions, nomenclature, and key scientific data. Inclusion confirms that a meteorite has undergone rigorous analysis and meets internationally accepted criteria.

Meteorite classification is essential in planetary science, placing each specimen within its genetic and geological context—linking it to parent bodies such as asteroids, the Moon, or Mars. It transforms individual samples into meaningful records of planetary processes, ensuring consistency, comparability, and scientific reliability across studies.

At the center of this system is the Nomenclature Committee (NomCom), which reviews submissions, evaluates analytical data, and verifies classifications. By assessing petrography, mineral chemistry, bulk composition, and type specimen curation, the committee ensures that all entries meet strict standards.

Together, the Bulletin and NomCom uphold a transparent, consistent, and robust framework, forming the foundation of modern meteoritics and enabling a unified global scientific record.