Sutter’s Mill meteorite contains unique molecular material
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.027326
Science News : Some of the oldest material in the solar system arrived on Earth in the form of a meteorite that landed near Sutter’s Mill in California on 22 April 2012. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Sandra Pizzarello of Arizona State University and colleagues found that the space rock included, among other things, a number of sulfur- and oxygen-containing organic compounds—the raw materials necessary for life to evolve. From the amount of material the meteorite contained, the researchers believe there may be more such life-sustaining materials in meteors than previously thought. They discuss their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.