⏰ when

When was the first detection of amino acids in a meteorite reported?

SpaceOrigins of Life

Quick Answer

Amino acids were reported in the Murchison meteorite after its fall in 1969. The findings were announced in the early 1970s.

The Full Story

The Murchison meteorite fell in Australia in 1969, and analysis soon found amino acids and other organic compounds in the sample. Results announced in the early 1970s showed that meteorites can carry complex prebiotic chemistry. This was important for studies of the origin of life because it suggested that some building blocks of biology can form in space. The Murchison meteorite remains one of the most studied space rocks in science.

Key Facts

1.Meteorite fell in 1969
2.Findings announced in the early 1970s
3.Contained amino acids

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"A space rock that carried the building blocks of life."