The McDonough event is not only a rare astronomical phenomenon but also opens the door for humanity to directly access the “primordial matter” from the birth of the universe.
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| Photo image video: Meteorite falls in Georgia Older than Earth by 20 million years |
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| Meteorite falls in Georgia Older than Earth by 20 million years |
In the early morning of June 26, 2025, a bright fireball tore through the sky of the Southeast United States, observed by people in many states. After that, a sonic boom rang out, causing many people to mistake it for an earthquake. The event ended with a cherry tomato-sized meteorite crashing through the roof of a McDonough home, leaving a dent in the floor.
Geological research: older than Earth
Geologists at the University of Georgia, led by scientist Scott Harris, analyzed 23 grams of the meteorite sample. The results showed that the meteorite formed in the early Solar System, 4.56 billion years ago – about 20 million years older than the estimated age of Earth (4.54 billion years).
The meteorite is believed to have originated in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is likely that it was a fragment of a large asteroid that was destroyed about 470 million years ago.
To be officially named
Scientists plan to propose the name “McDonough Meteorite”, associated with the location of the crash, and submit it to the Meteorite Naming Committee of the International Meteorite Association for approval.
Scientific and social significance
This is the 27th recorded meteorite fall in the state of Georgia, of which only 6 have been witnessed by people.
The event provides a valuable insight into the formation of the Solar System, and is a testament to the effectiveness of modern space object tracking systems.
For the community, it is also a reminder that ancient pieces of the universe can suddenly appear in the middle of everyday life.
Quick summary - McDonough Meteorite
Factors Information Date of fall 6/26/2025 Location McDonough, Georgia, USA Age ~4.56 billion years (20 million years older than Earth)Origin Asteroid belt (Mars - Jupiter)Proposed name McDonough Meteorite Significance Learn more about the early Solar System, raise awareness and study meteorites.
