66 million years ago, Earth experienced a catastrophic event when an asteroid struck the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a mass extinction that eliminated around 60 percent of Earth’s species, including all non-bird dinosaurs.
Recent evidence suggests that the asteroid responsible for this devastation did not originate nearby but rather came from far beyond the outer reaches of the solar system. A study published in the journal Nature confirms that the asteroid was not from within the solar system, settling a long-standing debate about Earth’s history.
The discovery has highlighted the interconnectedness of the universe, prompting contemplation about the sudden impact that changed the world millions of years ago. The asteroid’s origins beyond Jupiter raise questions about the cosmic events that led to this significant event.
The time period between the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods is marked by the K-Pg boundary, a geological rock layer with high concentrations of platinum group elements. These elements, typical of meteorites, have sparked debates among scientists about the cause of the extinction event. Through careful analysis of isotope signatures, researchers have determined that the asteroid carried characteristics consistent with extraterrestrial carbonaceous chondrites.
Professor Stephen Brusatte, a renowned paleontologist, has contributed to the understanding of dinosaur anatomy, genealogy, and evolution. His research, spanning various scientific journals, sheds light on the cosmic event that changed Earth’s history.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
