On July 25, 2024, unprecedented footage captured by Joe Velaidum’s Ring doorbell camera recorded the extraordinary moment when a meteorite struck just outside his home on Prince Edward Island, Canada. This event marks the first recorded meteorite fall in the province’s history, creating waves of excitement among scientists and space enthusiasts alike.
Just moments before the strike, Velaidum and his partner, Laura Kelly, had left their home to walk their dogs. After noticing strange star-shaped dust on their walkway upon returning, the couple reviewed their security footage and were shocked to see the exact moment the meteorite descended from the sky and impacted the ground. It not only scattered dust but also produced audible explosion-like noises, capturing the interest of the scientific community.
According to Chris Herd, curator of the University of Alberta’s Meteorite Collection, who examined the ensuing fragments, this meteorite has been dubbed the "Charlottetown Meteorite" after the capital of Prince Edward Island. “No other meteorite fall has been documented like this, complete with sound,” Herd commented, emphasizing the historic significance. The rock has been classified as ordinary chondrite, the most common type of meteorite to impact Earth.
The fall was rapid; video analysis suggests the meteorite entered the atmosphere at approximately 60,000 kilometers per hour (37,282 miles per hour) before decelerasing to around 200 kilometers per hour (about 124 miles per hour) at impact. The collision left behind a small dent, measuring roughly 2 x 2 cm, and Velaidum managed to recover about 95 grams of debris from the site shortly thereafter.
Reflecting on the close encounter, Velaidum stated, “If I’d lingered just minutes longer, I might’ve been standing right in the impact zone. It’s surreal to think something traveled millions of miles to land right on my doorstep.” His description aptly captures the astonishment felt by both him and Kelly, who realized the enormity of their chance encounter with the cosmos.
The illuminating footage provides fascinating insights; capturing both the speed of the meteorite and the distinctive sound of its impact is groundbreaking. Chris Herd expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “This event is truly unprecedented... it’s the first time both the sight and sound of a meteorite impact have been captured.” Such data opens new avenues of research, particularly concerning the formation and characteristics of such space rocks.
Before contacting Herd for verification, Velaidum and Kelly initially speculated about the origins of the fragments littering their property. Their skepticism turned to excitement when Herd confirmed the extraterrestrial origins of the rock, leading to his planned visit to document the site just days later. His quick response underscored the importance of this discovery, as he utilized the family's input to collect additional samples for study.
While rare, similar events do occur more frequently than one might think. Each day, millions of tiny meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere, but they typically disintegrate and burn up before they can strike the surface. According to Dr. Greg Brown, Senior Public Astronomy Officer, meteors falling to Earth is extremely common with estimates bearing out around 17,000 impacts every year; yet, few, if any, are ever captured on security footage or observed directly.
Despite the frequency of smaller meteorite entries, incidents involving significant meteorite impacts—especially ones near human habitation—are less common. Herd remarked on the significance of the Charlottetown Meteorite, saying, “It adds a whole new dimension to the natural history of the Island.” He posited this discovery contributes not only to the scientific community's knowledge but also shapes the narrative of Prince Edward Island's interactions with the cosmos.
Even more exciting is how this discovery may spark renewed interest around the world. Velaidum expressed hope, stating, “This can inspire others to pay attention to the wonders around them.” The human connection to such celestial phenomena makes these moments not only scientifically important but culturally enriching as well.
With the Charlottetown Meteorite now recognized, scientists and enthusiasts alike are prompted to ponder: What else might the universe have waiting to reveal itself? The marvel of such encounters keeps the lines of curiosity open and the pursuit of knowledge alive.
For the residents of Prince Edward Island, this meteorite serves as both a reminder and celebration of their peculiar encounter with the vastness of space. The footage immortalizes the exact moment when the stars aligned for Velaidum and Kelly, changing their lives forever, even if for just a brief heartbeat of time. Their story may very well inspire future generations to look skyward.