The chances of being hit by a meteorite are one in 840 million. That's why one New Jersey family was perplexed when a meteorite pierced their home's roof.
The Guardian reports that a possible meteorite struck a house in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, causing damage but luckily not injuring the homeowners. The event occurred on Monday, May 8, when the metallic object struck Suzy Kop's father's bedroom.
Authorities Now Investigating the Mysterious Event
The rock, which resembles a shining piece of metal, is roughly 4 inches by 6 inches in size and pierced the house's roof, struck a hardwood floor, ricocheted up to the ceiling, created another hole, and dropped back to the ground, local authorities report.
Relevant organizations have already been contacted to determine whether or not the object is a meteorite. The College of New Jersey has been called in order to determine whether the item originated on Earth or in space.
Suzy Kop, who discovered the object, stated that the meteorite was warm when she picked it up, and emergency services assessed the inhabitants for radiation or any other potentially dangerous residues. Fortunately, everything checked out fine.
The town has urged citizens to search their yards for meteorite bits.
What Experts Know About the Meteorites
According to the Planetary Science Institute, approximately 500 meteorites strike the Earth each year, but only about ten are recovered because the majority fall into the ocean or strike remote places. As a result, scientists rarely investigate meteorites that have surfaced in metropolitan areas.
The meteorite could be a portion of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which is composed of fragments of Halley's Comet and is seen from Earth every 75 years.
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This is not the first time a meteorite has been reported to have crashed into a residential area.
Residents in a rural part of Nevada reported in November 2022 that a meteorite hit a house, causing it to burn to the ground. The incident caused no injury to anyone.
Kop expressed her relief that no one was home when the meteorite struck her father's house, and she thanked God that they were not injured in any way.
For the time being, Kop's family says the meteorite will be kept in a secure and hidden location.
A Way to Study Meteorites
The episode highlights a rare opportunity for scientists to study meteorites that have landed in urban areas. Although these events can cause damage to property and pose potential risks to those in the vicinity, they also offer a unique chance for scientific research.
Scientists are particularly interested in studying meteorites because they can provide valuable insights into the origin and evolution of the solar system.
However, this incident also serves as a reminder of the dangers of falling meteorites, which can be unpredictable and deadly.
Stay posted here at Tech Times.
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