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Chelyabinsk residents toast meteorite with monument

Chelyabinsk residents toast meteorite with monument
Fragments from the meteorite. Photograph: RIA Novosti

26 February 2013

It may only be 11 days since a meteorite hit Chelyabinsk, but plans are already afoot to make sure the world never forgets — residents are organising an exhibition and building a monument to the falling star in the Southern Urals town.

The exhibition, which will be held at the regional geography and history museum, will include photo and video material as well as fragments of the meteorite itself. Since its explosion, thousands of meteorite hunters have flocked to the Chelyabisnk in search of fragments.

Local authorities have launched an open competition for the design of a monument as well as a logo for souvenir items such as calendars. A expert panel of judges, yet to be announced, will draw up a shortlist. The final winner will be decided by an online vote.

Related: Bronze Age: the monuments that taste forgot