People all over Canada were treated to some outstanding celestial events over the past year. From vivid northern lights shows to a partial solar eclipse and incredible meteor shows, the universe did not disappoint stargazers in 2024. One event in 2024 has made scientists really excited while almost knocking out a homeowner in the process.
In July of 2024, Joe Velaidum and his wife of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island were on their way out to walk their dogs when they heard what they thought was a gunshot. As their home security camera captured, it wasn’t a gun shot at all, but an incredibly fast meteorite striking Earth, specifically their little piece of Earth. Velaidum says the the space rock struck the area where the couple had just been standing minutes earlier. He thinks that if he hadn’t moved the meteorite would have killed him on the spot.
Scientists estimate the meteorite was traveling upwards of 200 kilometers per hour when it hit the couple’s driveway in PEI and it’s believed to be the first time anyone has captured video and audio of a meteorite striking Earth.
Scientists at the University of Alberta are now studying the space rock debris and have determined it’s a type of rock that is known to strike Earth frequently. In all, about 95 grams of rock debris was collected from Velaidum’s driveway.
Below is a the security camera footage of the meteorite strike.
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