Science

Shocking Meteorite Crash Captured on Doorbell Camera: A Historic First!

2025-01-21

Author: Yu

Shocking Meteorite Crash Captured on Doorbell Camera: A Historic First!

In a groundbreaking event for science enthusiasts, a meteorite crash has been recorded with sound, possibly marking the world's first audio documentation of such an occurrence. This astonishing moment was captured by a doorbell camera last July at a residence in Prince Edward Island, Canada, leaving scientists and the homeowner astounded.

Homeowner Joe Velaidum was returning from a walk when he noticed a peculiar chalky mark on his front walkway—an unmistakable sign of a meteorite impact. "The shocking thing for me is that I was standing right there just moments before this occurred," Velaidum stated in an interview. His proximity to the event adds an intriguing layer of serendipity to this unique phenomenon.

Chris Herd, the curator of the University of Alberta's meteorite collection, happened to be on holiday in the area when he received a call to investigate the incident. His excitement was palpable as he shared, "It’s not anything we’ve ever heard before. From a scientific perspective, this is something entirely new."

After the impact, approximately 95 grams of meteorite fragments were collected from the site. Herd brought seven grams of these samples back to the university for further analysis. These fragments were identified as ordinary chondrites, the most prevalent category of stony meteorites, which constitute about 86 percent of all collected space debris on Earth.

According to Herd, the meteorite entered the atmosphere and traveled at terminal velocity—remarkably similar to a rock dropped from an airplane—before landing in the serene community of Marshfield. This unprecedented event has officially been designated the Charlottetown Meteorite, named after the island's capital city, located just east of Marshfield.

Herd emphasized the extraordinary nature of this discovery: "It's actually the first and only meteorite ever found on the island, and what a spectacular way to make such a significant find." This incident not only contributes valuable data to the scientific community but also sparks interest in meteorite exploration across the globe.

As the science world buzzes with excitement over this incredible find, one can't help but wonder: what other secrets does our universe hold, waiting to be uncovered? Stay tuned for more thrilling revelations from the cosmos!