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Park Forest

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description Park Forest Overview

Park Forest is an L5 ordinary chondrite that fell over northeastern Illinois on March 26, 2003. A bright fireball fragmented above the Chicago suburbs, scattering stones across Park Forest and nearby communities; several fragments struck houses and other property. Its well-documented fall, rapid recovery, and unusual urban strewn field make it useful to researchers and collectors studying ordinary chondrites.

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When did the Park Forest meteorite fall to Earth?

The Park Forest meteorite fell on March 26, 2003, creating a brilliant fireball that lit up the night sky over the American Midwest. The witnessed fall was accompanied by loud sonic booms that rattled windows across northeastern Illinois.

What kind of damage did the Park Forest meteorite cause?

Because the meteorite fragmented over the Chicago suburbs, it scattered rocks across the town of Park Forest and nearby communities. Several of the falling stones actually struck houses, damaged roofs, and even broke through windows.

What type of meteorite is Park Forest?

It is classified as an L5 ordinary chondrite, meaning it is a stony meteorite with relatively low iron content. The well-documented fall provided scientists with fresh, uncontaminated specimens of this common meteorite type.

Where are the pieces of the Park Forest meteorite kept today?

Fragments of the Park Forest meteorite are housed in major scientific institutions around the world, including the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Because it fell through houses and was recovered immediately, many specimens are also preserved in private collections.

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