The Murchison Meteorite Meets Earth

September 28, 1969, about 10:45 AM

	Artist's rendering of the Murchison meteor approaching Earth in 1969.

The Murchison meteorite landed in Murchison, Australia in 1969, only two months after the first man landed on the moon. Eyewitnesses saw the bright orange ball with a smoky blue trail passing through the night sky before it broke apart above the Earth with a sonic boom. Several hundred pieces fell around Murchison, ranging in size from a few ounces up to 113 pounds. The dramatic meteor shower caused only minor property damage, with one fragment puncturing a hay shed roof.