The Charlottetown meteorite is a rare and significant event in Canada's meteoritic history. It fell on July 25, 2023, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, marking the first recorded meteorite fall in the province. What makes this meteorite particularly special is that it was captured on home security footage, including both visual and audio evidence of its impact. This is an exceptionally rare occurrence in meteorite observations.
The meteorite was later classified as an H5 ordinary chondrite, a type of stony meteorite that originated from the asteroid belt. It struck a residential walkway at a speed estimated to be at least 200 km/h, leaving a small divot about 2 centimeters in diameter. Fragments recovered from the site ranged in size from less than 1 mm to 7 mm, displaying a composition of fine-grained translucent crystals, larger white and gray crystals, and metallic inclusions.
The discovery was made by homeowners Laura Kelly and her partner after they noticed unusual debris outside their home. Upon reviewing their security footage, they realized a meteorite had struck their property. The impact sound, likened to breaking ice, was clearly recorded, making this event even more extraordinary.
With its confirmed classification and the unprecedented dual recording of both sight and sound, the Charlottetown meteorite stands as a unique addition to the scientific study of meteorites in Canada.
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