In an extraordinary event last July, residents of Prince Edward Island in Canada experienced something out of this world. Joe Velaidum and Laura Kelly discovered a pile of debris outside their home after walking their dogs. Upon reviewing their doorbell camera footage, they witnessed a cloud of dust from what appeared to be a medium-sized rock hitting the ground, accompanied by a distinct breaking sound. This incident marked the first time a meteorite impact had been recorded with sound. Chris Herd, a meteorite curator at the University of Alberta, confirmed that the object was indeed a meteorite, specifically an ordinary chondrite, originating from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

The Unexpected Encounter

Joe Velaidum and Laura Kelly returned home to an unusual sight—a pile of debris on their driveway. Initially puzzled, they reviewed their doorbell camera footage, revealing a remarkable scene. Moments earlier, Velaidum had been standing precisely where the meteorite landed. He remarked on his habitual movement patterns, noting that if he had lingered just two minutes longer, he would have been struck. This close call highlighted the unpredictable nature of celestial events and the small margin that separates everyday life from extraordinary occurrences.

The video captured not only the visual evidence but also the unique auditory aspect of the meteorite's impact. As it hit the ground, a cloud of dust erupted, followed by a distinctive breaking sound. This recording is unprecedented, marking the first instance where both visual and audio documentation of a meteorite landing exists. Kelly’s father, who lived nearby, suspected immediately that the object was a meteorite. His intuition proved correct when an expert later confirmed its origin. The meteorite, weighing approximately one kilogram, entered Earth’s atmosphere at an astounding speed of 60,000 kilometers per hour, slowing down significantly before reaching the surface.

The Science Behind the Space Rock

Chris Herd, curator of the University of Alberta’s meteorite collection, provided insights into the origins and journey of this space rock. He explained that the meteorite originated from the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. A fragment broke off millions of years ago and eventually crossed Earth’s orbit, arriving on July 25th last year. The meteorite, classified as an ordinary chondrite, is the most common type of meteorite found on Earth. Despite its prevalence, this particular event stands out due to its unique documentation.

Herd elaborated on the meteorite’s journey through the atmosphere. Initially traveling at 50 times the speed of sound, or about 60,000 kilometers per hour, the meteorite gradually decelerated. By the time it reached Velaidum’s driveway, its speed had reduced to approximately 200 kilometers per hour, and 90% of its material had burned away. This reduction in speed and mass explains why the impact, though significant, did not cause more extensive damage. Velaidum reflected on the incident, describing it as a reminder of humanity’s place within the vastness of the cosmos, emphasizing how our lives are intertwined with celestial phenomena beyond our immediate perception.