A meteorite recently made headlines when it crash-landed in McDonough, Georgia, causing quite a stir. This rock, which flew through the sky in June with an impressive sonic boom, is estimated to be about 4.56 billion years old. It’s older than the Earth itself!
The University of Georgia received some fragments—23 grams to be precise—of what is now known as the McDonough Meteorite. Researchers studied these pieces to determine what they are and where they came from. Scott Harris, a researcher at UGA, identified it as a Low Metal (L) ordinary Chondrite, a type of stony meteorite. He used advanced techniques like optical and electron microscopy to reach this conclusion.
“This meteorite has a long history before it arrived in McDonough,” Harris noted. He explained that it likely originated from a group of asteroids in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Around 470 million years ago, a larger asteroid broke apart, sending fragments into paths that intersected with Earth’s orbit.
The American Meteor Society recorded multiple reports about the fireball that lit up the skies on June 26, coinciding with the Bootids meteor shower. One lucky resident heard the noise as the meteorite crashed through their ceiling, creating a dent on their floor. Imagine the surprise!
Harris emphasized the importance of studying meteorites. “One day there will be an opportunity for something large to hit us, and we want to be prepared,” he said. This meteorite serves as a reminder of the risks posed by objects from space.
Interestingly, daytime fireballs, like this one, are rare. They must be much brighter to be seen during the day, and this fireball was about -14 in magnitude—brighter than the full moon.
Local reactions showed a blend of awe and concern. Residents reported seeing the flash and hearing loud noises, with some describing eerie moments as they spotted the streaking rock. Reports and dashcam footage from surrounding areas in Lexington County, South Carolina, confirm that numerous people witnessed the spectacle.
After the initial excitement, parts of the meteorite will be displayed at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, while continuing studies will be conducted at UGA.
This event not only adds to Georgia’s history—it marks the sixth witnessed meteorite fall in the state, and it’s a thrilling reminder of our connection to the cosmos.
For further reading on meteoric events and their implications, you may want to visit the American Meteor Society.
