Key Takeaways:
– Grey, star-shaped dust pattern led to discovery of meteorite fragments on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
– Homeowners found the moment of impact recorded on their ring doorbell camera.
– The sound and imagery of a falling meteorite are captured for the first time.
– Science Professor and curator of the University of Alberta’s meteorite collection confirms fallen fragments are parts of an ordinary chondrite meteorite.
A Canadian homeowner residing on Prince Edward Island came upon an unusual sight in July 2024. A star-shaped pattern of grey dust was spotted on their walkway, raising curiosity. The mystery unfolded when they checked their home’s security camera footage, revealing a meteorite’s crash landing on their walkway.
Witnessing a Rare Occurrence
The security camera footage revealed something out of the ordinary. An idyllic setting was recorded by the camera for about five seconds. Then, all of sudden, an object came into frame and crashed into the side of the stone entranceway, making a sound resembling a glass break or a falling pot.
As unusual as it might seem, occurrences of meteorites falling on Earth are rare. Reports of meteorites hitting dwellings are even scarcer. A homeowner in New Jersey reported a similar incident in May 2023 when a meteorite crashed through her roof.
First Ever Documented Sound and Imagery of Falling Meteor
The ground-breaking aspect of this incident is the unique capture of both sound and image as the meteor fell. This is a first in the annals of meteorite falls, according to Science Professor Chris Herd from the University of Alberta. “No other meteorite fall has been documented like this, complete with sound,” Herd explained during his visit to the scene. As such, it adds a new fact to the natural history of the Island.
Identifying the Fragments
Herd, who also serves as the curator of the university’s meteorite collection, arrived at the scene 10 days after the incident to study the fragments. The homeowners had collected 7 grams of the rock from the grass beside the walkway and had secured more samples using a vacuum and a magnet. A 2 x 2 cm dent was seen on the walkway where the meteorite had struck.
Upon investigation, Herd confirmed that the fragments were indeed from a meteorite. More specifically, it was an ordinary chondrite, one of the most common types of meteorite. Features of the meteorite helped to uncover why it had broken apart upon meeting the ground.
What this Event Means
The incident serves as a reminder of the vast, cosmic world beyond our planet Earth. While the idea of a meteorite landing in one’s front yard sounds like a sci-fi movie, this event shows that it is not beyond the realm of possibility. This meteorite’s curious landing in Canada, captured in sound and image, is a ground-breaking addition to the study of these astral occurrences.
From surprising homeowners to attracting the attention of scientists, this meteorite’s journey has ended in a noteworthy manner. As we continue our exploration into the cosmic world, such incidents help us gain an better understanding of the universe. The recorded footage, along with the fragments collected, will serve as fierce topics of research and discussion among the scientific community, contributing more findings to the fascinating world of meteors and meteorites.