Peace River meteorite, L6 chondrite meteorite in Alberta, Canada.
The Peace River meteorite is an L6 chondrite that fell to Earth in 1963 and broke into two main fragments upon impact. The recovered pieces are scattered across an elliptical search area in Alberta, with the total weight of collected fragments reaching nearly 46 kilograms.
In the early morning of March 31, 1963, the meteorite detonated high above Alberta with a powerful explosion that people in the region heard. Scientists then began searching the area and documenting the fragments they found.
The meteorite takes its name from the nearby town and represents a shared moment of drama in the region's story, marking a connection between this place and the wider cosmos. Locals remember that morning when the explosion lit the sky and brought people outdoors to witness something extraordinary.
The meteorite pieces are spread across a large area, so plan for a substantial visit and wear sturdy shoes for the search. The best time to explore is during warmer months when access to the region is easiest.
The meteorite contains tiny spheres called chondrules that come directly from when our solar system first formed. These microscopic structures make the find a time capsule that helps scientists understand the early stages of our planetary system.
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