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Meteorite found in Georgia home dates back to origins older than Earth

Scientists confirm the origins of a meteorite that crashed into a McDonough home are around 4.56 billion years old.

July 19, 2025 at 02:22 PM
blur Remember the June fireball? Here's how scientists are classifying the meteorite that came crashing through a Henry county home

A meteorite that crashed into a McDonough home is older than Earth, according to scientists.

Meteorite found in Georgia home dates back to origins older than Earth

Three weeks after a bolide exploded in the skies over north Georgia, scientists have studied the meteorite that landed in a McDonough home. Dr. R. Scott Harris from UGA analyzed fragments of the meteorite and concluded that its origins are around 4.56 billion years old, making it older than Earth itself. The meteorite created a significant impact, leaving a crater in the floor and scattering debris around the room. The homeowner, who was nearby during the incident, described the sound as a gunshot. The recovered fragments will be classified and archived, with some pieces as large as blueberries. Harris emphasized the uniqueness of the meteorite, classifying it as an L ordinary chondrite.

Key Takeaways

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The meteorite is classified as L ordinary chondrite.
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Its origin dates back 4.56 billion years, making it older than Earth.
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The bolide created a crater upon impact with the floor.
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Harris's study involved detailed chemical analysis using advanced tools.
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Fragments were scattered throughout the house, leaving a mess behind.
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This meteorite find could attract increased interest in meteorite research.

"A fragment of this meteorite is older than Earth itself."

Dr. R. Scott Harris explains the remarkable age of the meteorite.

"It was traveling fast enough to create a small crater upon impact."

Harris describes the meteorite's force upon hitting the floor.

"We're here just 14 feet away from a homeowner having a very different experience."

Harris reflects on the unusual proximity of the event to the homeowner.

"This meteorite find could spark increased interest in cosmic studies."

Harris highlights the potential impact of the discovery on future research.

The discovery of this meteorite not only sheds light on its cosmic origins but also reveals the impacts of meteoroids on human environments. Dr. Harris's analysis highlights the fragility of our existence against cosmic events. While this incident attracted attention, it raises concerns over what other hidden dangers lurk in our skies. As meteorite classifications continue, the rare nature of these finds could spark interest among collectors and researchers alike, potentially leading to rigorous discussions about funding for space studies and disaster preparedness.

Highlights

  • This meteorite is older than Earth itself.
  • It created a significant crater in the floor.
  • The homeowner thought it sounded like a gunshot.
  • This meteorite could reshape our understanding of asteroid origins.

Potential funding implications for space research

The increasing interest may lead to calls for better funding and resources for meteorite classification and cosmic research, which could face budget constraints.

As scientists continue to explore the meteorite, its implications could extend beyond geology into space safety.

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