In the quiet town of Peekskill, New York, an event unfolded that sounds like a script from a sci-fi movie but proves that reality can be just as startling. On October 9, 1992, Michelle Knapp was enjoying a typical night at home when a loud crash disrupted the peace. Outside, the unexpected culprit—a bowling-ball-sized meteorite—had just made a dramatic entrance by smashing into her 1980 Chevy Malibu.
This rare celestial event left a significant dent in her car and marked one of the few times in history that a meteorite has directly hit a manufactured object on Earth. The meteorite, which travelled from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, was still warm and smelled faintly of sulfur when Knapp inspected the damage. The impact created a spectacle and turned her car into an overnight sensation, travelling as far as museum displays in cities around the world, from Paris to Tokyo.
The Peekskill meteorite incident vividly reminds us of the unpredictable nature of life—and the skies above. While meteorite strikes are rare, they highlight the importance of being prepared for all possibilities. At McDonald’s Insurance, we delve into the unusual and the unexpected, reminding you that we’re here to help secure your peace of mind against all odds. Whether it’s a rogue space rock or more earthly concerns, we’ve got you covered.
