Overview of the Meteorite Strike

In an astonishing cosmic coincidence, a meteorite made "auditory history" last July when a Ring doorbell camera in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, captured the moment it impacted the ground. This extraordinary event has captivated both meteorite enthusiasts and scientists alike, as experts from the University of Alberta have confirmed that this might be the very first time the sound of a meteorite striking the Earth has been recorded.

The Footage and Discovery

The footage reveals a typically breezy, overcast day before the calm is shattered by a noise reminiscent of breaking glass, followed by a puff of gray material emerging just off-screen as the meteorite slammed into the ground. Its impact left a noticeable divot on the homeowner's walkway, immediately prompting curiosity and excitement.

Homeowner Laura Kelly, along with her partner, quickly noticed the debris left behind and decided to examine the recorded footage. Encouraged by her father, who lives nearby, Kelly reached out to the University of Alberta's Meteorite Reporting System. This valuable tool assists the public in identifying potential meteorites, guiding them through essential criteria such as weight, magnetic attraction, and surface characteristics.

Understanding Meteorites

But what exactly is a meteorite? By definition, meteorites are space rocks that have survived their fiery journey through Earth’s atmosphere to land on our planet. NASA describes them as varying in size from small pebbles to larger fist-sized objects. They originate from larger meteoroids that, when they burn up in our atmosphere, become the mesmerizing meteors commonly seen during meteor showers.

Confirmation and Significance

Chris Herd, curator of the University of Alberta’s Meteorite Collection, confirmed that the captured space rock indeed qualified as a meteorite. Kelly and her partner meticulously collected the fragments using a vacuum and magnet, which Herd later examined personally, recovering several pieces for the collection. Notably, the University has amassed Canada's largest meteorite collection, boasting over 1,800 specimens from various parts of the globe.

The Unique Charlottetown Meteorite

What makes this particular meteorite all the more significant is its uniqueness; it is confirmed as *the first* documented meteorite to fall in Prince Edward Island. Herd expressed that, "The Charlottetown Meteorite truly made a remarkable entrance," emphasizing the historical nature of the event. Initially, it is believed the meteorite was about the size of a kiwi fruit before it fragmented upon impact, with its classification designated as an ordinary chondrite, a familiar type among meteorites.

The Rare Auditory Experience

For those who frequently gaze up at the night sky, meteorites are often recognized by their visual splendor as "shooting stars," bright streaks lighting up the dark. However, the auditory experience of hearing one land is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. The distinctive shattering sound captured in Charlottetown results from a combination of the meteorite's rapid descent, its intrinsic composition, and the solid surface of the walkway it struck.

Official Recognition

Adding to the excitement, the Meteoritical Society, an internationally renowned organization dedicated to the study of meteorites, has officially cataloged the Charlottetown meteorite in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database, where it stands as the only approved meteorite from the province.

Conclusion

As scientists and meteorite aficionados continue to study this incredible celestial event, one thing is certain: the Charlottetown Meteorite is now a cherished part of both local history and the broader narrative of Earth's fascinating cosmic encounters. Keep watching the skies, you never know what might fall next!