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110-lb NJ Meteorite Hits Home, Reveals Carbonaceous Amino Acids

7/16/2026

Summary

Scientists Analyze Meteorite

U.S. scientists reported a 110-pound (50 kg) meteorite struck a Hillsborough, New Jersey home on July 16, 2024, traveling ~32,000 mph and fragmenting at ~22 miles altitude.
The homeowner sealed the fragments in jars while wearing gloves, preserving unusually pristine samples.
Analysis classified the rock as a CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite—the second such fall—found amino acids, organic compounds and salt-laden fragments suggesting a briny asteroid, and will display it at American Museum of Natural History.

Summary

Astronomer Collects Meteorite

An astronomer in New Jersey collected meteorite fragments in aluminum foil and glass jars.
Camera footage captured the fireball, enabling scientists to map path and drift with radar.
Peter Jenniskens of NASA Ames and the SETI Institute coordinated the observation effort.
Jangmi Han identified sodium-rich brine residues in microscopic fractures, a first for CM chondrites.
Mike Zolensky noted the chips differ from Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx samples, creating a rapid-recovery model.

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Scientists Analyze Meteorite

U.S. scientists reported a 110-pound (50 kg) meteorite struck a Hillsborough, New Jersey home on July 16, 2024, traveling ~32,000 mph and fragmenting at ~22 miles altitude.
The homeowner sealed the fragments in jars while wearing gloves, preserving unusually pristine samples.
Analysis classified the rock as a CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite—the second such fall—found amino acids, organic compounds and salt-laden fragments suggesting a briny asteroid, and will display it at American Museum of Natural History.

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