Meteorite fragments recovered from a New Jersey home several years ago — but kept quiet until last week — apparently hold “alien world chemistry,” scientists revealed. Researchers at the SETI Institute published their findings two years after a meteorite crashed through the roof of a Hil lsborough home on July 16, 2024. The scientists who examined the preserved fragments said they hold prebiotic molecules and other “building blocks of life.” Dozens of people reported seeing the rock fly through the sky on that summer day, from across the tri-state, to as far as Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. A few even said they felt a shockwave. The fragments were small and too difficult to locate, researches explained. They only recovered the few pieces due to the quick and meticulous work of the Hillsborough homeowners who found the meteorite after it came crashing down. “I was at home at the time, heard a loud crash and found a hole in the ceiling of the master bedroom,” the homeowner, whose identity was withheld, said. “I smelled a strong sulfur-like odor and saw many black fragments along with debris and black dust that covered my bed, carpet and surrounding areas.” Fragment of meteorite find in Hillsborough home. (Photo: SETI Institute) The study also showed the fragments seemed to have been covered in “concentrated salty fluids,” or a brine. The meteorite itself seems to have been made of the rare material, carbonaceous chondrite. Scientists said it is “one of the most scientifically valuable meteorites ever recovered.” Some of the fragments will now go to the American Museum of Natural History here in New York. “We are thrilled that nature delivered such a precious asteroid sample on our doorstep,” said curator Denton Ebel. ...read more read less