A meteorite that crashed into a New Jersey home in July 2024 contained prebiotic molecules and other "building blocks of life," according to a newly published study. The rare CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite, only the second of its kind observed, was preserved by the homeowners using disposable gloves and aluminum foil, allowing scientists to study its composition in detail.
The meteorite, which weighed over 2 pounds (1 kilogram), broke apart about 22 miles above ground before a fragment struck a Hillsborough home. Observers across multiple states reported seeing a fireball streaking across the sky, accompanied by a sonic boom. The homeowners quickly collected fragments and patched the roof to prevent contamination, ensuring the meteorite remained intact for analysis.
Scientists discovered that the meteorite had been covered in concentrated salty fluids, or brine, before breaking off from its parent asteroid. This indicates the presence of liquid water that later evaporated. The high salt concentration in brines can create molecules crucial to life on Earth, such as phosphate, which can spark chemical reactions. The meteorite also contained soluble organic compounds, including magnesium organic compounds found in blood and used in photosynthesis.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, highlights the meteorite's scientific value. Researchers suggest that similar asteroids may have delivered organic matter to early Earth, contributing to the development of life. The Hillsborough meteorite's rare composition and preserved state make it one of the most scientifically valuable meteorites ever recovered.