A recent study has shed new light on the asteroid that hit Earth 66 million years ago, leading to the mass extinction of dinosaurs. Researchers have identified the impactor as a carbon-rich “C-type” asteroid, believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
By analyzing ruthenium isotopes in the debris layer left by the impact at the Chicxulub crater, scientists have been able to determine that the asteroid’s composition differs from Earth’s natural materials. Ruthenium’s scarcity in Earth’s crust makes it a valuable marker for extraterrestrial material, helping researchers in identifying the asteroid’s origin.
The study, conducted by a team including Mario Fischer-Gödde from the University of Cologne, found consistent isotope composition in samples from various locations across Europe. This discovery discredits other theories, such as comet impacts or volcanic eruptions, as the sources of rare metals like ruthenium in the debris layer, strengthening the case for the asteroid’s extraterrestrial nature.
While the asteroid is believed to have originated from the asteroid belt, the study does not entirely rule out the possibility of it coming from the Oort cloud. This uncertainty paves the way for further research to delve deeper into the origins of such catastrophic events, providing valuable insights into Earth’s history.
Dr. Craig Walton of the University of Cambridge emphasized the importance of this research in enhancing our understanding of Earth’s past. While there are still unanswered questions regarding the asteroid’s exact origins, the study contributes to a broader perspective on how celestial events have influenced the development of life on our planet, highlighting its vulnerability to cosmic impacts.
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