Key Takeaways:

• A couple in Prince Edward Island discovered a meteorite strike captured on their home security footage.
• This meteorite, named the Charlottetown meteorite, is notable for being the first recorded meteorite in the region.
• The event marks the first instance where a meteorite hitting Earth has been recorded on video with accompanying sound.
• The impact moment occurred just minutes after Joe Velaidum stepped away from the spot, underscoring a dramatic brush with danger.
• Samples from the meteorite have been collected for scientific testing, confirming its cosmic origin.

In a remarkable twist of fate, Joe Velaidum and his partner, Laura Kelly, returned to their home in Prince Edward Island, Canada, after walking their dogs to find their front walkway littered with debris. Initially perplexed, they reviewed their security camera footage which displayed a **mystifying burst of dust and sound**, capturing the moment a meteorite struck their property.

The meteorite, officially named the Charlottetown meteorite, was recognized as the first of its kind discovered in Prince Edward Island, increasing the total of known meteorites in Canada to just 69, according to the Meteoritical Society. This incident was especially significant because it marked the **first time** that the sound associated with a meteorite impact has been recorded in such a manner, making it a notable event for both amateur and professional astronomers alike.

Critically, the footage, taken on July 25, 2024, shows what Chris Herd, a professor at the University of Alberta, described as “a small explosion,” with sounds akin to crackling ice or glass. This unique recording provides insights that could advance scientific understanding. In Velaidum's own words, “Had I stayed in that very spot for just a minute or two longer, I'd certainly have been struck and probably killed by this meteorite,” reflecting on the sheer luck involved in the incident.

NASA estimates that about 48 tons of meteorite-like material falls to Earth daily, though the likelihood of human encounters is exceedingly low. This event underscores how rare it is to witness a meteorite strike firsthand. Professor Herd met with Velaidum and Kelly to evaluate the recovered debris and further study the characteristics of this significant find.

This cosmic event serves as a poignant reminder of our place in the universe, prompting Velaidum to express how such encounters challenge our daily concerns. “We think our lives are so important when we fill it up with our egos… this is an eye-opener,” he stated, a sentiment reflecting the cosmic insignificance of human anxieties against the vast backdrop of the universe.

For the original coverage, refer to NPR and The New York Times.