A detailed analysis reveals that the McDonough meteorite is approximately 4.56 billion years old, predating the Earth itself.
Ancient Meteorite Discovered In Georgia Home is Older than Earth
Ancient Meteorite Discovered In Georgia Home is Older than Earth
Scientists verify the astonishing age of a meteorite that crashed through a house in Georgia.
The extraordinary discovery of a meteorite that crashed into a residential property in Georgia has sparked significant interest among scientists. According to NASA, the meteorite, which streaked across the sky on June 26, displays surprising characteristics that place its creation at 4.56 billion years ago, making it around 20 million years older than our planet.
Witnesses across Georgia and surrounding states reported seeing the fireball accompanied by a thunderous sound. The meteorite, while rapidly losing mass and speed, managed to strike the roof of a house in Henry County, traveling at a rate exceeding 1 kilometer per second.
Fragments of the meteorite were collected and subsequently analyzed by researchers at the University of Georgia. Geologist Scott Harris, part of the study team, indicated that through various microscopy techniques, they identified the meteorite as a chondrite—the most common type of stony meteorite.
The homeowner continues to discover remnants of cosmic material within his property. Significantly, this meteorite, now dubbed the McDonough meteorite, marks only the 27th recovery of its kind in Georgia.
Harris emphasized the changing frequency of meteorite recoveries, noting that modern technology and increased public vigilance have contributed to more frequent encounters with falling celestial objects. He aims to publish additional research on the meteorite's composition and trajectory, underlining the importance of monitoring and understanding potentially hazardous asteroids. “One day, something large may hit,” Harris warned, stressing the need for preparedness against catastrophic impacts that could threaten life on Earth.
Witnesses across Georgia and surrounding states reported seeing the fireball accompanied by a thunderous sound. The meteorite, while rapidly losing mass and speed, managed to strike the roof of a house in Henry County, traveling at a rate exceeding 1 kilometer per second.
Fragments of the meteorite were collected and subsequently analyzed by researchers at the University of Georgia. Geologist Scott Harris, part of the study team, indicated that through various microscopy techniques, they identified the meteorite as a chondrite—the most common type of stony meteorite.
The homeowner continues to discover remnants of cosmic material within his property. Significantly, this meteorite, now dubbed the McDonough meteorite, marks only the 27th recovery of its kind in Georgia.
Harris emphasized the changing frequency of meteorite recoveries, noting that modern technology and increased public vigilance have contributed to more frequent encounters with falling celestial objects. He aims to publish additional research on the meteorite's composition and trajectory, underlining the importance of monitoring and understanding potentially hazardous asteroids. “One day, something large may hit,” Harris warned, stressing the need for preparedness against catastrophic impacts that could threaten life on Earth.
