Meteorite Man: Geoff Notkin on a meteorite hunt in the Sahara Desert of Africa. Meteorites from Geoff's personal collection are now on sale at Heritage Auctions. The auctions end on July 22, so don't delay!

Geoff Notkin's childhood dream of one day owning a genuine meteorite was born in London's Geological Museum, but played out in an Indiana Jones-like life of adventure across six continents and millions of miles.

Notkin starred in three seasons of the hit television series "Meteorite Men" for Discovery Networks and wrote a popular series,"Meteorwritings," for Geology.com as well as award-winning how-to books on meteorite hunting. He led his company Aerolite Meteorites to international success by providing meteorite specimens to collectors, museums, and institutions worldwide.

Giant Iron Meteorite: This Campo del Cielo meteorite is an exceptional specimen. It measures 15.55 x 12.20 x 9.84 inches (39.50 x 31.00 x 25.00 cm) and weighs an astonishing 150 pounds (68 kilograms)! Meteorite photos imaged by Heritage Auctions. Click for a larger view.

Over 50 years later, Notkin's private meteorite collection, which includes specimens never before seen in public, is on the block at Heritage Auctions. "I never lost interest in meteorites," Notkin said, "not for a moment. But it's time for the collection, which has meant everything to me, to go back out into the world and enthrall others as it has enthralled me." Recalling how some other great collections have been lost or blemished, Notkin wanted to see the sale done properly. "Heritage Auctions has an exceptional nature and science department," he said. "They take a personal interest in me and my work and appreciate the uniqueness of the collection."

Seymchan Pallasite: A slice from a Seymchan meteorite that exhibits a beautiful Widmanstätten Pattern. Meteorite photos imaged by Heritage Auctions. Click for a larger view.

Notkin will donate a significant portion of the proceeds to six children's and wildlife charities and educational nonprofit organizations.

The "Sleeping Dragon": This Sikhote-Alin iron meteorite features an abundance of deep regmaglypts and a rare natural hole. Meteorite photos imaged by Heritage Auctions. Click for a larger view.

The auction comprises over 140 lots, including space rocks Notkin found on the "Meteorite Men" TV show, moldavites, specimens from important historic collections, and two of Notkin's own treasure-finding metal detectors.

The auction is open for bidding at ha.com/notkin and wraps up with a live floor session at Heritage HQ in Dallas at noon Central on July 22. Notkin will attend in person as will his "Meteorite Men" co-host, famed space rock hunter Steve Arnold.

"My career in meteorites has been more rewarding and thrilling than little six-year-old Geoff could ever have imagined. Finding, studying, and curating these visitors from space has been the great adventure of my life. I hope their new owners will experience a similar feeling of wonder."