Scientists from the University of Georgia have investigated a meteorite that hit a house in McDonough, confirming it as 20 million years older than our planet. The event generated numerous sightings and a significant loud noise across the Southeastern US.
Ancient Meteorite Crashes into Home, Revealed to Be Older Than Earth
Ancient Meteorite Crashes into Home, Revealed to Be Older Than Earth
A recently recovered meteorite that struck a house in Georgia has been dated to 4.56 billion years old, predating Earth.
In a remarkable incident on June 26, a meteorite burst through the atmosphere over Georgia, eventually crashing into a private residence in McDonough. According to researchers at NASA, the meteorite is classified as a chondrite and dates back to 4.56 billion years ago, making it more than 20 million years older than the formation of Earth itself.
Witnesses across the region reported a bright fireball streaking through the sky along with a loud explosion, contributing to the excitement surrounding the occurrence. The meteor broke apart as it descended, hitting a man’s roof with a considerable speed of approximately 1 kilometer per second. As reported, the homeowner is still discovering small fragments of what scientists refer to as “space dust” scattered within his property.
Scott Harris, a geologist at the University of Georgia involved in the analysis, noted that the McDonough meteorite represents the 27th meteorite officially recorded in the state. “The phenomenon of meteorite sightings used to be rare, occurring once every few decades, but recent years have seen increased occurrences,” he commented. Harris attributes these findings to advancements in technology and heightened public awareness, which have significantly improved meteorite recovery efforts.
Furthermore, Harris expressed hopes that his research on the asteroid's composition and speed could lead to better predictive models regarding future impacts. "We are aware that the possibility of a large asteroid causing catastrophic damage exists, and it is our responsibility to prepare for such events," he stated.
As a prototype of space rock from the early solar system, the McDonough meteorite will help scientists unlock more secrets about Earth's history and the potential threats from space. The drive for greater understanding of asteroids continues as researchers work diligently to analyze their properties and origins.
Witnesses across the region reported a bright fireball streaking through the sky along with a loud explosion, contributing to the excitement surrounding the occurrence. The meteor broke apart as it descended, hitting a man’s roof with a considerable speed of approximately 1 kilometer per second. As reported, the homeowner is still discovering small fragments of what scientists refer to as “space dust” scattered within his property.
Scott Harris, a geologist at the University of Georgia involved in the analysis, noted that the McDonough meteorite represents the 27th meteorite officially recorded in the state. “The phenomenon of meteorite sightings used to be rare, occurring once every few decades, but recent years have seen increased occurrences,” he commented. Harris attributes these findings to advancements in technology and heightened public awareness, which have significantly improved meteorite recovery efforts.
Furthermore, Harris expressed hopes that his research on the asteroid's composition and speed could lead to better predictive models regarding future impacts. "We are aware that the possibility of a large asteroid causing catastrophic damage exists, and it is our responsibility to prepare for such events," he stated.
As a prototype of space rock from the early solar system, the McDonough meteorite will help scientists unlock more secrets about Earth's history and the potential threats from space. The drive for greater understanding of asteroids continues as researchers work diligently to analyze their properties and origins.
