VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Royal Canadian Mint has released a limited edition coin in honour of Canada’s contributions to astronomy. The designer is from Vancouver, and the coin is literally out of this world.

The coin depicts several stellar events, like the northern lights, last year’s solar eclipse, and a meteor–and it’s made out of real space metal.

Attached to each of the 5,500 coins is a unique meteorite made from bigger ones that hit earth 4,000 years ago. It’s to commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Planetary scientist Dr. Alexandra Lefort designed the coin herself.

“There’s a lot of brilliant Canadian scientists involved in Astronomy and various space missions. And I think the public needs to be more aware of that,” she says.

“I’m hoping it’ll bring people to get out of the city–and look up at the sky and enjoy the view. And maybe bring them to want to learn more about it.”

The silver coins retail for $150 online.