A recent study published in the journal Science reveals that the asteroid responsible for the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago originated from the far reaches of our solar system, beyond the orbit of Jupiter. This asteroid was unique in that it was rich in water and carbon, unlike most cosmic bodies that have struck Earth in the last 500 million years.
The researchers, based in Europe and the U.S., studied dust particles from the impact that fell back to Earth, particularly focusing on the rare element ruthenium, which could definitively be traced back to the dinosaur-killing asteroid. The study confirmed that the asteroid was a carbonaceous-type, or C-type, asteroid, and refuted the hypothesis that it was a comet.
The researchers explained that comets, which come from very far from the sun, are mostly made of ice and dust and have not been measured for ruthenium, making it unlikely that the dinosaur killer was a comet. This new study sheds light on the origin and composition of the asteroid that caused the mass extinction event, providing valuable insights into Earth’s evolution over time.
According to François Tissot, a professor at the California Institute of Technology and co-author of the paper, the study represents a crucial step forward in understanding our planet’s history and evolution. By conducting more studies across Earth’s history, researchers can build a comprehensive record of Earth’s evolution and ask important questions about the planet’s past.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
