A meteorite impacts a house and reveals compounds that can explain the origin of life

A fragment of a meteorite that pierced the roof of a house in Hillsborough, in the US state of New Jersey, on July 16, 2024, has become one of the most important findings for science in recent years. A study published in the journal Science Advances concludes that the rock contains amino acids, carbon, and other prebiotic molecules; all are chemical compounds considered essential for the emergence of life.

Before entering Earth's atmosphere, the original meteorite was approximately 38 centimeters and weighed about 52 kilograms. Most of it disintegrated while traveling at about 51,500 kilometers per hour, but a fragment weighing about 1.35 kilograms impacted a house, pierced its roof, and ended up on the owners' bed. The piece of rock left a hole in the roof and scattered black dust and small fragments throughout the room.

"One of the most scientifically valuable objects ever recovered"

The owners collected the fragments with gloves, stored them in glass jars, and even recovered the meteorite dust to prevent contamination. They kept the discovery secret for nearly two years while researchers analyzed its composition. According to scientists, this exceptional preservation has made the Hillsborough meteorite "one of the most scientifically valuable objects ever recovered." Some of the fragments will be kept at the American Museum of Natural History in New York so they can continue to be studied.

The analysis has revealed that it is a rare carbonaceous chondrite of type CM1/2, one of the most primitive materials known from the solar system. Researchers have detected traces of ancient brines and a wide variety of amino acids and organic compounds. They believe that this type of asteroid could have transported some of the chemical ingredients necessary for the emergence of life to early Earth, making the meteorite an exceptional piece for understanding the origins of the solar system and life on our planet.