description Murray Overview
Murray is a CM2 carbonaceous chondrite that fell near Murray, Kentucky, in 1950. Like other meteorites of its class, it contains water-altered minerals, carbon-bearing compounds, and amino acids, making it an important specimen for research on organic chemistry in the early solar system. Scientists study such material to investigate processes that occurred on primitive asteroid parent bodies and the extraterrestrial delivery of prebiotic compounds to the early Earth.
insights Ranking position
Murray ranks #44 of 213 in the Meteorite ranking, behind Aubres, ahead of Kapoeta.
help Murray FAQ
When and where did the Murray meteorite fall?
Murray fell over western Kentucky on September 20, 1950, after a bright fireball and high-altitude explosion. Fragments were recovered near Murray in Calloway County.
What does the CM2 classification of Murray mean?
CM identifies it as a Mighei-type carbonaceous chondrite, while the type 2 designation indicates extensive alteration by water on its parent asteroid. That alteration produced hydrated minerals without completely erasing the meteorite's primitive chemistry.
Why do researchers study organic compounds in the Murray meteorite?
Murray contains indigenous carbon-bearing material and amino acids, so it helps scientists investigate prebiotic chemistry beyond Earth. Comparisons with other CM2 meteorites, especially Murchison, reveal which organic compounds were available in the early solar system.
How much of the Murray meteorite was recovered?
The Meteoritical Bulletin records a total known mass of about 12.6 kilograms. That material was distributed among scientific collections, making Murray an important laboratory specimen rather than merely a display stone.
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