Rare Asteroid Beyond Jupiter Confirmed as Dinosaur-Killing Culprit

  In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have finally pinpointed the origin of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. This catastrophic event led to the mass extinction of 70% of Earth's species and has long puzzled researchers. However, a new study published in Science reveals that this deadly asteroid was not a comet, as previously speculated, but a rare C-type asteroid formed beyond Jupiter's orbit.

Credit:- AI Imagination


  • Asteroid's Origin: The study's lead author, Mario Fischer-Godde, a geochemist from the University of Cologne, used advanced techniques to analyze ruthenium isotopes in sediment samples. These isotopes, which match those in asteroids beyond Jupiter, indicate that the Chicxulub impactor originated from this distant region.

  • Debunking the Comet Theory: Previous theories suggested a comet might have caused the mass extinction. However, the new findings firmly establish that a rare asteroid, not a comet, was the true culprit.

  • Implications for the Future: Understanding the origins of such catastrophic events helps us prepare for future threats. If another C-type asteroid were to head toward Earth, it could pose a severe risk, much like the Chicxulub impactor did millions of years ago.

The 66 million-year-old Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary layer in Denmark, one of many sites around the world that contain fragments of the large asteroid that struck Chicxulub, Mexico. (Image credit: Steven Goderis/Philippe Claeys)

This discovery not only reshapes our understanding of Earth's history but also provides crucial insights into planetary defense and the origins of life.


By:- Ranjan
#AsteroidImpact #DinosaurExtinction #SpaceDiscovery #ScienceNews #PlanetaryDefense

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