NASA-SETI Scientists Claim Discovery of Life's Ingredients and 'Brine' Chemistry in Meteorite that Struck New Jersey Bedroom

A meteorite that struck through the roof of a bedroom in New Jersey, USA, has been analyzed by scientists from NASA and the SETI Institute, who claim to have found signs of life's fundamental ingredients and a type of 'brine' chemistry. This cosmic rock, known as the 'Hillsborough meteorite,' fell to Earth on July 16, 2024. Researchers state that this discovery could provide new insights into how life originated on Earth.

According to statements from CNN and NASA, the research was published on July 15 in the scientific journal 'Science Advances.' The lead author of the study is Peter Jenniskens, a meteor astronomer at the SETI Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center.

In NASA's statement, Jenniskens noted that forensic analysis of the fragments revealed they were preserved from near the surface of a primitive asteroid, where the rock had been exposed to concentrated salty liquid. He claims that such a process had not been previously known to occur on primordial bodies (protoplanets).

Jenniskens stated that the quick collection of the meteorite by the homeowner allowed it to be one of the purest (pristine) CM1/2 class meteorites found to date. The meteorite is porous and absorbs water from the air, so the homeowner repaired the roof before the rain fell, which researchers say protected the sample from contamination.

According to reports from the SETI Institute and CNN, the meteorite's aqueous extract contains a complex mixture of amino acids, which are the fundamental building blocks of proteins. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center astrophysicist Danny Glavin mentioned that the complexity of these amino acids and organic compounds was astonishing to them. Most of these amino acids are not found naturally on Earth, according to the Smithsonian media.

Researchers claim that the meteorite contains high levels of sodium, likely derived from the brine (saltwater) mixed with ice within the original asteroid. After water evaporated, salt crystallized in the rock, which researchers believe could aid in the formation of essential molecules for life.

However, researchers also noted that the source of some magnesium-containing organic compounds found in the meteorite remains uncertain. It is unclear whether they originated from brine chemistry or from ancient impact shocks, as mentioned in the study.

According to NASA and CNN, on July 16, 2024, a rock the size of a heavy suitcase entered Earth's atmosphere at a speed of about 32,000 miles per hour (14.4 kilometers per second). It created a sonic boom while passing over New York City and then struck through the roof of a bedroom in Hillsborough, New Jersey. No injuries were reported in this incident.

Researchers have traced the origin of the meteorite to the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. According to NASA's statement, it is believed to be related to a primitive asteroid called 'Erigone.'

This type of carbonaceous chondrite meteorite is one of the oldest materials in the solar system. Some scientists speculate that such primitive asteroids delivered the organic materials necessary for life to Earth billions of years ago. According to NASA, some fragments of the meteorite will be preserved at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and further research will continue on them.

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