A Meteorite Lit Up Georgia’s Sky—Now You Can See a Piece at Tellus

On June 26, the universe decided to drop in—literally—with a meteor streaking across the Southeast sky, booming over Henry County, and scattering fragments like cosmic breadcrumbs. Thousands saw it, some heard it, and at least one unlucky house in Henry County was hit. (Minor damage, major bragging rights.)

Now, here’s where it gets fun for the rest of us: Tellus Science Museum up in Cartersville has just acquired a specimen from this meteorite fall, found by a meteorite hunter in Henry County the very next day. So, if you want to stand within arm’s reach of a space rock that’s traveled 30,000 mph, survived a fireball, and maybe (just maybe) bounced off a Georgia shingle, this is your chance.

Last Thursday’s fall was the 29th documented meteorite in Georgia. But, let’s be clear: meteorites hitting homes in Georgia is the kind of thing that happens about as often as MARTA runs on time. NASA says this is only the second time it’s ever happened in our state—the first was in Cartersville itself, back in 2009. (If you’re keeping score, Cartersville now has both a meteorite museum and a meteorite history. Coincidence? I’m just saying, check your homeowner’s insurance.)

Here’s what you need to know if you want to see the new space celebrity:

• The meteorite will be on display in the Weinman Mineral Gallery by the end of summer. (It’s not out yet, but you can always call ahead if you’re the impatient type.)
• Tellus is just north of Atlanta, right off I-75. Parking is easy, and the museum is open daily. Bring a blanket, maybe a couple of folding chairs, and make a day of it—there’s plenty to see besides the new meteorite.
• If you have kids, this is the kind of science story that makes them forget their screens for a minute. If you don’t have kids, it’s still a good excuse to gawk at something that’s literally out of this world.

So yes, the odds of a meteorite hitting your house are astronomically low. But the odds of seeing a real one up close just got a lot better. I’ll see you at Tellus, probably still looking up—just in case the universe decides to drop by again.