Scientists now believe they have pinpointed the origin of the asteroid that led to the dinosaurs’ extinction. Sixty-six million years ago, a rare asteroid collided with Earth, causing the mass extinction event that wiped out around 60 percent of Earth’s species. Research indicates that the aftermath of this collision likely covered the planet in ash, altering the climate drastically.
Previously, the asteroid’s origin and type were unclear. However, a new study suggests that the asteroid came from beyond Jupiter, in the outer solar system. In this distant region, a C-type asteroid formed and eventually struck Earth, creating the Chicxulub crater.
The study, titled ‘Ruthenium isotopes show the Chicxulub impactor was a carbonaceous-type asteroid,’ was published in the journal Science. Researchers examined samples from the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods, the time of the mass extinction. They also analysed samples from five other asteroid impacts over the last 541 million years and impacts from billions of years ago for comparison.
Dinosaur-killing asteroid was a rare rock from beyond Jupiter, new study reveals https://t.co/AW8TF8WN1f
— Live Science (@LiveScience) August 15, 2024
They discovered that ruthenium isotopes, an element rare on Earth but common in meteorites, were uniform in samples from the extinction period. This indicates that the Chicxulub impactor was likely a carbonaceous chondrite, a rare type of meteorite, rather than a comet.
Scientists believe this discovery could provide new insights into Earth’s history and enhance our understanding of extraterrestrial objects that have collided with our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where did the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs come from?
It came from the outer solar system, beyond Jupiter.
What type of asteroid was responsible for the dinosaurs’ extinction?
It was a carbonaceous-type asteroid, specifically a C-type asteroid.
How did scientists determine the origin of the dinosaur-killing asteroid?
They examined ruthenium isotopes in samples from the Cretaceous-Paleogene period.
What percentage of Earth’s species died due to the asteroid impact?
About 60 percent of Earth’s species died.
What did the asteroid impact cause on Earth?
It likely covered the planet in ash and drastically altered the climate.
