This is a fragment of the Murchison Meteorite, which fell in Victoria, Australia, in September 1969. It is a carbonaceous chondrite (specifically CM2), known for containing organic compounds such as amino acids. Some grains within this meteorite are dated at nearly 4.95 billion years old, making them older than the Earth itself. The meteorite is scientifically significant for providing insights into the origins of the solar system and potential extraterrestrial origins of life's building blocks.
On September 28, 1969, a brilliant fireball broke into three pieces and exploded in the atmosphere, showering an area over 35 km² near the town of Murchison, Australia. Over 100 kg of material was recovered, with the largest single fragment weighing 680 g.
Because Murchison is an 'observed fall' and the samples were quickly collected, it remains remarkably free of terrestrial contamination. Scientists consider it a time capsule from the early solar system. Its most defining features include:Organic Compounds: It contains over 70 amino acids, including many not found on Earth, as well as sugars and alcohols. This supports theories that the chemical precursors to life may have been delivered to early Earth via meteorites.
The meteorite contains tiny grains of silicon carbide that formed in supernovas 7 billion years ago - making them the oldest known material found on Earth. It also contains about 8% water, providing clues about the origins of oceans on Earth
How can they date something beyond life itself?
What reference do they have before existence?
Ahhh - still pretty cool stuff this...
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