Ancient Space Rock Predates Our Planet
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MCDONOUGH,Ga. – A meteorite that blazed across the skies of the southeastern U.S. on June 26, eventually crashing into a home in McDonough, Georgia, is older than Earth itself, scientists have confirmed.
Ancient space rock predates our planet
Scientists say a meteorite found in Georgia is over 4.5 billion years old, offering a glimpse into the solar system’s distant past.
The fiery visitor streaked thru the sky in broad daylight, exploding over Georgia. Researchers at the University of Georgia examined a fragment of the space rock, which pierced a roof in McDonough. Based on its composition, they resolute the meteorite formed more than four billion years ago, making it older than Earth.
What exactly is a meteorite? A meteorite is a solid piece of debris from an object, usually a comet or asteroid, that originates in outer space and survives its passage through the atmosphere too reach the surface of a planet or moon.
Hundreds of residents across Georgia and neighboring states reported seeing the large fireball and hearing a loud boom. The object considerably slowed and shrank as it traveled, but still moved at a remarkable speed of at least 1 kilometer per second before impacting a home in Henry County.
Did you know? – Meteorites are often named after the location where they are found. This helps scientists track their origins and impact sites. The McDonough meteorite is the 27th discovered in Georgia.
A glimpse into cosmic history
Multiple fragments that struck the building were collected and handed over to scientists for analysis.Scott Harris, a geologist at the University of Georgia, stated that the meteor had a long journey before landing in McDonough.
using optical and electron microscopy, Harris and his team identified the rock as a chondrite, the most common type of stony meteorite, according to NASA. This classification indicated an approximate age of 4.5 billion years.
The homeowner reported finding traces of space dust around his house following the impact. This celestial visitor has been named the McDonough meteorite and marks the 27th such recovery in Georgia.
Pro tip: – If you suspect you’ve found a meteorite, do not wash it. Handle it carefully and contact a local university’s geology department or a meteorite expert for identification.
“This is something that used to be expected once every few decades and not multiple times within 20 years,” Harris commented.He believes that modern technology and public awareness are contributing to more frequent meteorite discoveries.
Harris plans to publish his findings on the asteroid’s composition and speed. This research aims to enhance our understanding of potential asteroid threats. “One day there will be an opportunity,and we never know when it’s going to be,for something large to hit and create a catastrophic situation. If we can guard against that, we want to,” he said.
Reader question: – What do you think accounts for the recent increase in meteorite discoveries? Is it simply better technology, or are more space rocks entering our atmosphere?
Why did it happen? A meteorite, originating from an asteroid, entered Earth’s atmosphere and impacted a home in McDonough, Georgia, on June 26.
Who was involved? Residents of Georgia and neighboring states witnessed the event.Scott Harris, a geologist at the University of Georgia, led the scientific analysis. The homeowner whose house was struck also played a key role.
What happened? A large fireball streaked across the sky, exploding over Georgia and resulting in fragments impacting a home. Scientists identified the fragments as a 4
