More Canadian meteorite rocks found

LLOYDMINSTER, Alberta, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Canadian researchers raced against winter weather to recover fragments of a 10-ton meteorite that slammed into the province of Alberta.

Professor Alan Hildebrand of the University of Calgary led a 15-member team in scouring pasture land near Lloydminister, which straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported.

The meteorite lit up skies around 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20, and emitted light Hildebrand estimated to equal a billion-watt light bulb.

The first chunk of space rock was found Friday, and the team has since found about 70 pieces, Hildebrand said. The two largest segments weigh 27 and 20 pounds, he said.

Grady Semmens, senior communications manager for research at the university and part of the search team, said combing the 6-square-mile area would continue through Sunday.

"It's getting quite cold now and there's snow on the ground, so it's not the ideal conditions for searching anymore," Semmens said.