A fragment of a meteorite, estimated to be 4.56 billion years old, crashed through a residential roof in McDonough, Georgia, on June 26, 2025. The event was preceded by a spectacular fireball and a sonic boom, witnessed by residents across Georgia and South Carolina.
The recovered fragment, weighing 23 grams, was analyzed by scientists from the University of Georgia, led by planetary geologist Scott Harris. Their findings confirm the meteorite's age, predating Earth by approximately 20 million years. Classified as an L-type ordinary chondrite, the meteorite is believed to have originated from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, possibly linked to an asteroid breakup event around 470 million years ago. The research team, including collaborators from Arizona State University, plans to submit their findings and propose the name "McDonough Meteorite" to the Meteoritical Society's Nomenclature Committee. This incident marks the 27th meteorite recovery and sixth witnessed fall in Georgia, attributed to advancements in detection technology and public awareness.