Even 62 years after its celestial visitor arrived unexpectedly, the town of Bruderheim, Alberta continues to celebrate and embrace its meteoric history. The Welcome to Bruderheim sign seen entering town proudly features the Bruderheim Meteorite. Little Green Aliens dot the landscape. The town’s monthly newsletter, the Meteorite Monthly, is delivered with the utility bills. We stayed overnight at the local Starlight Campground, featuring a detailed interpretive sign explaining the meteorite’s saga.

 

The Bruderheim event started with a bright explosive fireball the night of March 4, 1960. A witness described a "rushing" sound lasting 5 seconds as the fireball flew by.

 

Coming in from the northwest as it fragmented, it created shock waves and showered hundreds of black pieces onto the snowy farming landscape over several kilometers, creating a roughly oval strewnfield of cosmic treasures.

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Shortly afterward, people began finding stones. Many were carefully documented where they lay. Over 600 stones were recovered, weighing a total of 303kg, making Bruderheim the largest Canadian meteorite.