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Meteorite that hit home is older than Earth, scientists say

August 10, 2025

A meteorite crashed through a home in McDonough, Georgia on June 26, creating a fireball and boom heard across multiple states. University of Georgia researchers led by geologist Scott Harris analyzed fragments of the rock and determined it was a chondrite, approximately 4. 56 billion years old—about 20 million years older than Earth itself.

Who is affected

  • Residents in Georgia and nearby states who witnessed the meteorite
  • The man whose home in Henry County was struck by the meteorite
  • Scientists and researchers studying the meteorite fragments
  • Potentially the broader public vulnerable to future asteroid threats

What action is being taken

  • Scientists at the University of Georgia are analyzing the meteorite fragments using optical and electron microscopy
  • The homeowner is continuing to find pieces of space dust around his home
  • Scott Harris is working on publishing his findings about the meteorite's composition and speed
  • Researchers are using modern technology to recover and study more meteorites

Why it matters

  • The meteorite is approximately 4.56 billion years old, making it about 20 million years older than Earth
  • It represents the 27th meteorite recovered from Georgia
  • The increased frequency of meteorite recoveries (multiple times within 20 years instead of once every few decades) provides more research opportunities
  • Studying meteorites helps scientists understand and potentially protect against catastrophic asteroid impacts in the future

What's next

  • Scott Harris plans to publish his findings on the composition and speed of the asteroid
  • Researchers will use this information to better understand the threat posed by future asteroids

Read full article from source: BBC

Meteorite that hit home is older than Earth, scientists say