Meteorite that crashed into NJ home holds building blocks of life, scientists say

A meteorite that crashed through the roof of a home in New Jersey earlier this year has been found to contain organic compounds that are fundamental to life, scientists announced. The space rock, which struck a residence in the town of Freehold on May 8, 2024, was analyzed by researchers at the American Museum of Natural History and other institutions. They discovered that the meteorite, classified as a carbonaceous chondrite, contains amino acids and other organic molecules, the building blocks of proteins and DNA. The find is significant because it provides direct evidence that such compounds can survive a fiery passage through Earth's atmosphere and impact. The meteorite, weighing about 2.5 pounds, was recovered from the home's roof and floor. This is only the second time a meteorite with such organic material has been collected so soon after a witnessed fall, allowing for minimal contamination. The researchers are now planning further studies to determine the exact types of amino acids present and their origins, which could shed light on how life's ingredients were delivered to early Earth. The homeowner, who was not injured, has donated the meteorite to science.