ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A spectacular meteorite event occurred on June 26, when a blazing fireball streaked across the sky and made its way to Earth, ultimately punching a hole in a Georgia homeowner’s roof. This space rock is believed to be older than the Earth itself, as concluded by scientists who examined the fragments of the meteorite.

Residents in multiple Southern states witnessed the mysterious fireball during daylight, with reports indicating that it traveled faster than the speed of sound. The impact of the meteorite was significant, as it struck the roof of a house near Atlanta with the force of a bullet, leaving a noticeable dent on the floor inside the home.

Scott Harris, a planetary geologist from the University of Georgia, detailed his findings in a press release. He analyzed 23 grams (0.8 ounces) of meteorite fragments recovered from a piece of the meteorite that was approximately the size of a cherry tomato. Through microscope examinations, Harris determined that the meteorite originated around 4.56 billion years ago, making it roughly 20 million years older than the Earth.

According to Harris, the meteorite is associated with a group of asteroids located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. He noted that it is thought to have originated from a larger asteroid that broke apart approximately 470 million years ago. This connection sheds light on the history and origins of the meteorite and its place within the solar system.

The scientists from the University of Georgia, along with their colleagues at Arizona State University, are in the process of submitting their research findings to the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society. They are proposing to name the space rock the McDonough Meteorite, after the Georgia city where it made its extraordinary descent to Earth.

This event has captured the attention of both scientific communities and the general public, showcasing not only the wonders of the cosmos but also the intriguing history that such meteorites can reveal about the early solar system. The McDonough Meteorite serves as a remarkable reminder of our planet’s connection to the larger universe.