A meteorite crashed through a bedroom ceiling and may hold clues to the origins of life
A meteorite that crashed through a New Jersey home in 2024 is being studied for its potential to reveal the origins of life. The rare CM½ carbonaceous chondrite contains amino acids and provides a unique look at the early solar system.
Why it matters
Scientific analysis of pristine space debris helps researchers understand the chemical building blocks of life and the history of water in our solar system.
A meteorite that crashed through the roof of a New Jersey home is helping scientists unlock new secrets about ancient water in our solar system. The space rock, weighing just over one kilogram (2.2 pounds), struck the house two years ago. Today, it is the focus of a groundbreaking study that could provide key insights into the origins of the essential building blocks of life. The event occurred on July 16, 2024, when residents across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania reported seeing a bright daytime fireball streak across the sky. The object passed near the Statue of Liberty, generating a powerful sonic boom that was felt by people throughout New York and New Jersey.
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