There’s an eternal fascination with the mysterious phenomena of the sky, and June 30 is just one day to celebrate and ponder: It’s Meteor Day.

Missouri State University’s professor of geology Dr. Kevin Evans has long studied meteorite impacts and has made significant discoveries – including three in Missouri (near Osceola, south of Camdenton and a little south of Steelville).

“Nearly 200 large meteorites are known to have collided with Earth,” Evans said. He explains that when meteors hit, they are known as meteorites regardless of size. “The projectiles have ranged from just a few meters to several kilometers across.”

In history, he adds, one of the largest meteorites led to mass extinction of dinosaurs.

“Nearly all impacts leave a record of geologic destruction,” he said.

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