Meteorite that ripped through Georgia homeowner’s roof is 20 million years older than Earth

A meteorite that crashed through a Georgia homeowner’s roof in June has been dated to 4.56 billion years old—about 20 million years older than Earth, according to University of Georgia scientist Scott Harris.

The fireball was seen across Georgia and South Carolina, and the meteorite fragments, recovered near Atlanta, belong to a group of asteroids from the main belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Scientists plan to name it the McDonough Meteorite, CBS News has reported.

This marks the 27th meteorite found in Georgia and highlights how modern technology and public awareness are increasing meteorite recoveries.

Written by B.C. Begley