SINCE falling from the skies in September 1969, the Murchison Meteorite has become one of the most studied meteorites today and it continues to bring tourists to the little riverside town of Murchison.
Amazingly when it fell, no serious damage was caused. However, this rare and ancient rock left hundreds of fragments scattered across a wide area, which have increased our knowledge of the solar system and revealed many rare features within its minerals to scientists studying the samples.
The presence of amino acids, the building blocks of life, has caused many questions about whether this is how life began on earth – with the fusion of material from outer space with basic material on Earth when meteors landed and introduced the required elements.
Wednesday, September 28 marks 53 years since the window-rattling sonic booms announced the arrival of the meteorite. To mark the occasion, the Murchison & District Historical Society are having a celebration.
Kay Ball, president of the Murchison & District Historical Society, will tell the story about the meteorite and Graeme Hanigan from Rushworth will talk about the Global Meteor Watch. Morning tea will be provided for a break to attend to the traditional ‘ringing of the bells’ at 10.58am, the exact time the meteor arrived in 1969.
Bookings are essential via Eventbrite as places are limited. The event will be held from 10am to 12 noon on Wednesday, September 28 at the Murchison Heritage Centre, 4 Stevenson Street, Murchison.
Tickets are $10 for adults and up to two children per adult are free. The building has all abilities access and there is plenty of parking adjacent to the Heritage Centre. For enquiries, email: murchison-historical-society@hotmail.com/
