Treasure hunters search for meteorite

YORK, Pa., July 11 (UPI) -- Treasure hunters are searching Maryland and Pennsylvania for something they say might fetch a higher price than gold -- pieces of a meteorite.

The Mason-Dixon meteorite was sighted Monday night, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Some treasure seekers have traveled long distances to join the search. Steve "Meteorite Man" Arnold arrived Wednesday after a flight from Arkansas.

"This is the Super Bowl," he said.

Meteorite hunters like Arnold try to figure out where the chunk of interplanetary rock might have landed. Others offer cash.

"Did you know meteorites that fall on your land are valuable and belong to you!" Don Stimpson, a Kansas dealer, said in a notice sent to the Sun. "If you want discreet, immediate payment for meteorites, contact ..."

The meteorite fell somewhere near York, Pa. A security camera at a water pumping station southwest of the city caught an image of a bright light falling from the sky and disappearing behind trees somewhere in the distance.

Arnold told the Sun he would like to find the meteorite before rain covers it with mud, causing rust and reducing the value.

Then again, he said, rain could reveal the meteorite landed in an attic.

"There's a chance someone's house got a hole popped in it," he said. "We'll just have to wait until it rains to see if they've got a leak."