Rare Meteorite, Older Than Earth, Strikes Georgia Home

Fragments recovered from a meteorite that crashed through a homeowner’s roof in Georgia have been determined to be older than our planet itself, according to researchers. The dramatic event unfolded on June 26 when residents across several Southern states reported witnessing a brilliant fireball streak across the sky at supersonic speeds.

The space rock impacted a residence located outside of Atlanta, creating a noticeable dent in the floor and puncturing the roof. University of Georgia planetary geologist Scott Harris led an examination of approximately 23 grams (0.8 ounces) of meteorite material recovered from a fragment roughly the size of a cherry tomato. Microscopic analysis revealed that the meteorite coalesced around 4.56 billion years ago, approximately 20 million years predating Earth’s formation.

According to Harris, the meteorite originated from the main asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. Scientific evidence suggests it is linked to the fragmentation of a larger asteroid which occurred roughly 470 million years in the past. Researchers at the University of Georgia are collaborating with colleagues at Arizona State University to formally document their findings for submission to the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society, where they intend to propose naming the meteorite the McDonough Meteorite, an homage to the nearby city of McDonough, Georgia.