In a remarkable event captured on surveillance video, a meteorite named “Charlottetown” struck near marshville, Prince Edward Island, on 2024-olympics/” title=”the French selection for the 2024 Olympics”>July 25, 2024. Joe velaidum and laura Kelly returned home from a walk to find their driveway littered with black debris, initially suspecting something had fallen from their roof. However, Laura’s parents, who live next door, heard a loud crash and believed it was a meteorite. Upon reviewing the footage, the couple was astonished to confirm their suspicions, marking the first documented meteorite impact in atlantic Canada, according to experts.
A couple from Prince Edward Island experienced a near-miss with a meteorite when a falling rock nearly struck them while they were outside.Joe Velaidum, who was attempting to move his dog’s leash, was just two minutes away from the impact site when the meteorite landed. After realizing it wasn’t a roofing issue, the couple sent their video of the event to the University of Alberta’s meteorite reporting system. Chris Herd, the university’s meteorite collection curator, confirmed the authenticity of the meteorite, noting that this incident was unique due to the accompanying audio. This remarkable event highlights the rare occurrence of meteorite falls and the importance of citizen science in documenting such phenomena.In a remarkable turn of events, a family vacation in Prince Edward Island coincided with the discovery of a meteorite impact site. Chris herd, a renowned expert in meteorites, visited the location just ten days after the incident, where he and his family collected samples and documented their findings.The meteorite,identified as a chondrite,was discovered on August 2,2024,in Marshfield,PEI. This unique opportunity not only allowed the Herd family to engage in scientific exploration but also contributed valuable specimens to the University of Alberta’s meteorite collection, highlighting the intersection of family adventure and scientific inquiry.A recent meteorite impact on Prince Edward Island has sparked interest among researchers, especially Professor Chris Herd, who is investigating the size of the meteorite before it shattered upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere.Weighing in at just 95 grams, the fragments collected are roughly the size of half a fist, leading Herd to speculate that the original rock was quite small, possibly leaving no other pieces behind. This discovery not only highlights the commonality of such meteorites, which typically originate from small asteroids, but also opens the door for further research into their characteristics and origins. The impact site, marked by a 2 cm indentation, serves as a tangible reminder of the cosmic events that occasionally touch down on our planet.In a remarkable event for the Atlantic provinces, a meteorite was captured on video as it fell during daylight, marking a first for the region. Astrophysicist Chris Herd from the University of Alberta noted the rarity of such occurrences, stating, “It’s uncommon to witness meteorites falling, especially in populated areas.” The meteorite, which has been named Charlottetown, exhibited a unique combination of video and sound, described by Herd as reminiscent of “ice cracking.” He speculated that the meteorite may have been fractured before entering the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to its dramatic descent. This incident not only highlights the fascinating nature of meteorites but also underscores the importance of documenting such rare celestial events.On July 25, 2025, a remarkable event unfolded in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, when a meteorite fragment landed in the yard of local resident Joe Velaidum. This extraordinary piece of space rock, now part of the University of Alberta’s extensive meteorite collection, is the only one from the Atlantic provinces, highlighting its importance. Velaidum expressed his awe, stating, “This thing traveled millions of kilometers and is so old that we can’t even estimate its age.It entered the atmosphere of a small planet we call Earth, landing right at my doorstep.” This incident not only captivates the local community but also emphasizes the connection between our planet and the vast universe beyond.In a remarkable gesture of scientific contribution, a couple has donated fragments of a meteorite to the University of Alberta, enriching the institution’s extensive meteorite collection. This collection, renowned for being the largest university-based meteorite repository in Canada, plays a crucial role in advancing research and education in astromaterials. The donated specimens will not only serve as valuable resources for students and researchers but also enhance public outreach efforts, fostering a deeper understanding of our universe. The University of Alberta continues to be a pivotal hub for meteorite studies, collaborating with various partners to explore the mysteries of these celestial objects.
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have a truly captivating topic to discuss: the recent meteorite impact known as “Charlottetown,” which struck near Marshville, Prince Edward Island, on July 25, 2024. This is notably interesting as it marks the first documented meteorite impact in Atlantic canada. Joining me is Chris Herd, the curator of the meteorite collection at the University of Alberta. Chris, thank you for being here.
Chris Herd: Thank you for having me! it’s exciting to discuss such an unbelievable event, especially since it was captured on surveillance video.
Time.news Editor: Indeed! The couple,Joe Velaidum and Laura Kelly,discovered debris in their driveway and initially thought it was a fallen piece from their roof. What did you find fascinating about their experience?
Chris Herd: It’s remarkable how citizen involvement can lead to significant scientific discoveries. When joe and Laura reviewed their footage and shared it with our meteorite reporting system, it highlighted the importance of being observant.The addition of audio from the impact event makes this case unique — most meteorite falls go unnoticed because they happen in remote areas without witnesses.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that their experience was not only rare in timing but also in documentation. Can you elaborate on the meteorite’s classification and any unique characteristics found?
Chris Herd: Absolutely. The meteorite, which we classified as an ordinary chondrite (H5), shows a star-shaped pattern of gray dust that is quite distinctive.This pattern and the debris on their driveway provide valuable scientific insight into its origin. Being able to analyze a meteorite with an associated audio clip allows us to correlate physical properties with the sound generated during the fall — furthering our understanding of such events.
Time.news Editor: The role of citizen science in discovering phenomena like this cannot be underestimated. What are your thoughts on this trend? How does it influence the field of meteorite science?
Chris Herd: Citizen science is pivotal! When ordinary people contribute to scientific observations, it expands our understanding of natural events. Instances like the ”Charlottetown” meteorite remind us that the universe is always at work around us, and everyday observations can lead to remarkable scientific inquiries. Such incidents can also promote interest and education in the field, encouraging others to report any unusual occurrences.
Time.news Editor: It’s amazing how one unexpected event has educational potential. Are there any follow-up studies planned for the “Charlottetown” meteorite now that it’s been confirmed?
Chris Herd: Yes,we plan to conduct detailed analyses to learn more about its composition and origin. Studies like these could provide insights into the conditions in our solar system and the materials that contribute to meteorites,enhancing our knowledge about planetary formation.
Time.news Editor: That’s intriguing! I believe this event will continue generating interest among both scientists and the general public. Thank you, Chris, for sharing your expertise on this unusual incident.
Chris herd: thank you for the opportunity to discuss this! I hope more people take an interest in meteorites and perhaps even look up more frequently enough — you never know what might be falling from the sky!