2024年7月16日，一块超过两磅的陨石坠入新泽西州希尔斯伯勒镇一所住宅[1]。国际研究团队对这块陨石进行分析后发现，它属于CM1/2型碳质球粒陨石，含有来自原始小行星近表面的盐析流体证据[1]。陨石中碳含量为1.8%，氮含量为0.07%[1]，富含有机物和氨基酸等生命关键分子[1]，表明原始碳质球粒陨石可能为早期地球生命起源提供了有机物[1]。
这次坠落具有重要的研究价值[1]。陨石进入大气时速度为32,000英里/小时，在距地面22英里高度时停止可见[1]。据SETI研究所和NASA艾姆斯研究中心的首席研究员Peter Jenniskens表示："多亏房主的迅速反应，这些是我们目前所知最原始的CM1/2型陨石"[1]。这是第22次观测到CM型陨石坠落事件，但仅为第二次目击CM1/2型碳质球粒陨石坠落[1]。
A meteorite weighing more than two pounds struck a residence in Hillsborough, New Jersey on July 16, 2024.[1] An international research team identified the object as a CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite containing evidence of salt-rich fluids from near the surface of a primordial asteroid.[1] The meteorite entered Earth's atmosphere at 32,000 miles per hour and became invisible at an altitude of 22 miles.[1]
The recovered specimen represents only the second witnessed fall of a CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite and the 22nd documented instance of a CM-type meteorite impact.[1] Analysis revealed the meteorite carries abundant organic compounds and amino acids—molecular building blocks associated with life.[1] According to Peter Jenniskens of the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center, "Thanks to the homeowner's quick reaction, these are the most pristine CM1/2 meteorites we know of."[1] The meteorite's composition includes 1.8% carbon and 0.07% nitrogen by weight.[1]
Scientists believe the pristine nature of these samples provides insight into how carbonaceous chondrites may have delivered prebiotic organic matter to the early Earth, potentially contributing to the origins of life on our planet.[1]