Hillsborough meteorite contains alien amino acids

A rare CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite, known as the Hillsborough meteorite, crashed through a home in Hillsborough, New Jersey on July 16, 2024. The meteorite, weighing over 2 pounds, was quickly preserved by the homeowner using gloves and aluminum foil. Analysis published in Science Advances on July 15, 2026, led by Peter Jenniskens of Ifo Institute for Economic Research and United States — NASA, revealed that the meteorite contains evidence of briny fluids from its parent asteroid, as well as a diverse suite of extraterrestrial amino acids and other organic compounds. The meteorite is only the second witnessed fall of its kind, providing pristine samples for study. Researchers including Mike Zolensky, Danny Glavin, and others analyzed the fragments, finding high concentrations of sodium and organic carbon. The discovery offers insights into the early solar system and the delivery of life's building blocks to Earth. Fragments are curated at the American Museum of Natural History.