Scientists analyze New Jersey meteorite that contained amino acids and organic compounds

A meteorite that struck a residence in Hillsborough, New Jersey, on July 16, 2024, has been classified as a rare intermediate CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite and was found to contain amino acids and other organic compounds. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances on July 15, marking the rock's two-year anniversary on Earth.

The homeowner reported a loud crash, a hole in the ceiling and a strong sulfur-like odor, and described black fragments scattered across the floor. An amateur astronomer quickly recovered the fragments, handling them with gloves and storing them in aluminum foil and glass containers, which preserved the samples for analysis.

Researchers from the SETI Institute, NASA and other institutions traced the meteor's trajectory using footage from cameras in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, determining that it originated low in the asteroid belt. NASA noted that the meteorite preserves some of the oldest material in the solar system, dating back more than 4.5 billion years.

"It's just more proof that the chemical building blocks of life could have been delivered — and are still being delivered — to Earth today by these carbonaceous asteroid fragments," said Danny Glavin, a senior scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

"When we have both a documented fireball and a quick recovery of its meteorite, we can learn not only what the rock is made of, but where it came from in the asteroid belt," added Peter Jenniskens, a meteor astronomer at NASA's Ames Research Center.

The study highlights the meteorite's potential to shed light on ancient water, the chemical evolution of primitive asteroids and the ingredients that may have contributed to the emergence of life in the early solar system.