Suitland, Maryland is the the Smithsonian’s store area for thousands of Antarctic meteorites, and it’s done in such a way that they will be preserved for future generations.
An excess of 15,000 meteorites, some of which come from as far as the Moon or Mars, are kept in a clear room designed to eliminate any outside contaminants, and pressurized nitrogen gas is used to keep them from coming into contact with any moisture. The Smithsonian says that the entire collection is “kept under tight security and tight airlocks.” The arrangements keep the samples clean for the researchers of today, as well of those of tomorrow. And if you would like to touch a piece, the Smithsonian could probably set up a 3D model for you.
