Rare New Jersey meteorite reveals 'alien world chemistry', study finds

A rare meteorite that crashed into a home in New Jersey has been found to contain prebiotic molecules and other compounds that scientists say could help explain the origins of life on Earth.

The findings were published in the journal Science Advances after researchers analysed fragments of the meteorite, which struck the property in July 2024.

The homeowner carefully preserved the pieces using gloves, aluminium foil and glass jars, allowing scientists to examine them without contamination.

According to the study, the meteorite is a rare CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite, making it only the second recorded fall of its kind.

Researchers also found evidence that the meteorite had once been exposed to highly concentrated salty fluids, or brine, suggesting its parent asteroid once contained liquid water.

The meteorite contained soluble organic compounds, including amino acids and magnesium-based organic molecules, leading researchers to describe the discovery as containing “alien world chemistry”.

Scientists believe similar carbon-rich meteorites may have delivered organic material to the early Earth billions of years ago.

The SETI Institute described the object as “one of the most scientifically valuable meteorites ever recovered.”

Following the study, some fragments will be transferred to the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Museum curator Denton Ebel said: “We are thrilled that nature delivered such a precious asteroid sample on our doorstep.”