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On the Trail of the Great Canadian Meteorites
Dresden, Ontario
"Final Destination"
The Dresden meteorite, like others, likely originated somewhere near the asteroid belt. Due to a collision, or a nudge of gravity from a neighbour, it markedly changed course and headed into an orbit bringing it closer to the sun. It may have continued this way thousands or even millions of times, passing quietly by earth. Then, on July 11, 1939, it met earth’s orbit and plunged into our atmosphere.
It was witnessed by many people. It was seen to explode 3 or more times. There was apparently much anxiety reported about these explosions as this was the time just prior to the start of World War II. One fragment was reported to land in Georgian Bay, narrowly missing a boat.
The largest piece buried itself in a farmers beet field owned by Dan Solomon, just southwest of the town. With assistance, this main mass, buried 6.5 feet in the ground, was pulled out using chains and crowbars. The meteorite was scrubbed clean (!) and displayed in the Dresden News front window.
Several other pieces were found. It is classed as an H6 chondrite.
Field where the main mass fell
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