The origin of the celestial body that led to the mass extinction has finally been revealed
The meteorite that struck Earth 66 million years ago originated from beyond Jupiter’s orbit. A recent study has analyzed the meteorite’s composition, confirming that it came from the outer solar system, the area populated by Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This impact triggered massive tsunamis and earthquakes and, most critically, released dust that disrupted the food chain, leading to the extinction of 75% of all species, including the dinosaurs.
Beyond Jupiter
Sixty-six million years ago, one of the five major mass extinctions on Earth occurred. There are various hypotheses regarding its cause, but the most supported is the impact of a celestial object approximately 11 kilometers long on what is now the Yucatan Peninsula, specifically in the Chicxulub Crater.
The size of the meteorite is debated, but estimates suggest a diameter of approximately 11 kilometers.
For decades, we have sought to determine the identity and origin of this celestial body, and a new study provides answers. It shows that the object was a meteorite from beyond Jupiter, in the outer solar system, the region farthest from the Sun that includes Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune (and Pluto), situated beyond the Asteroid Belt, located between Mars and Jupiter. Furthermore, it asserts that the celestial body was definitively a meteorite and not a comet.
Before we proceed, let’s clarify the differences between asteroids, meteorites, and comets:
- Asteroid: A rocky body that orbits the Sun, like planets. They primarily circulate between Mars and Jupiter within the so-called Asteroid Belt, a region teeming with them. They are larger than meteorites, or shall we say meteoroids?
- Meteoroid: To define a meteorite, we first need to establish what a meteoroid is. A meteoroid is a rocky body smaller than an asteroid, often fragments that have broken off. When a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it is known as a meteor. If it disintegrates due to atmospheric friction, it dies as a meteor; however, if it survives the journey and strikes Earth’s surface, it is classified as a meteorite.
- Comet: A celestial body composed of ice and dust, unlike asteroids and meteoroids, which are primarily rocky.
This clarified, how do we know the impactor was a meteorite from beyond Jupiter? Upon its collision with Earth, it released a dust cloud that took years to settle, also introducing iridium, a radioactive element that is rare on Earth but common in meteorites. Over time, the iridium that was uplifted eventually fell back to Earth, compacting and forming the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary layer.
This is a stratum in the Earth’s crust dated back 66 million years, marking the time when dinosaurs and many other species began their abrupt extinction. It serves as a separating line between the Cretaceous period, the last of the Mesozoic Era (the era of dinosaurs), and the Paleogene (the era of mammals).
This layer, also referred to as the K-Pg boundary, contains platinum group elements (PGEs) including iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium, the pivotal element in this research. The study analyzed the isotopes of ruthenium (Ru) and compared them with:
- Strata samples associated with asteroid impacts on Earth over the last 541 million years
- Strata samples corresponding to impacts from 3.5 to 3.2 billion years ago
- Carbonaceous meteorites (the oldest types of meteorites)
The study’s findings, which can be explored in detail in the journal Science, indicate that these elements derive from asteroids formed in the outer solar system, negating the possibility that it was a comet.
Dinosaurs did not vanish instantly
The extinction was not due solely to the impact, but rather to the aftermath.
The meteorite not only eradicated the dinosaurs but also a significant proportion of animals over 25 kilograms, although crocodiles, some sea turtles, sharks, birds, and smaller mammals survived. While the largest mammals perished, smaller species were able to “inherit” the Earth following the dinosaurs’ extinction, which had posed a direct threat to them.
The damage caused was not simply due to tsunamis or extreme heat wiping them out, though those occurred to a lesser degree. The impact primarily generated a cloud of dust that impeded photosynthesis in plants. This led to a lack of food for herbivores, ultimately resulting in carnivores having no available prey. In summary, it disrupted the entire food chain.
Previously, other mass extinctions, such as the Permian-Triassic, had eliminated 96% of species. Nevertheless, life recovered after these events. In fact, humans may owe their existence to that mass extinction, although recent studies suggest dinosaurs might have faced extinction regardless. Moreover, without the dinosaurs, we might not have enjoyed wine.
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The Celestial Body That Caused Mass Extinction: A New Understanding of Its Origins
The celestial body that caused the mass extinction has always been a mystery, but now we know where it came from
The impact event 66 million years ago, often cited as the primary cause of the extinction of the dinosaurs, has intrigued scientists and the public alike for decades. With the recent findings, researchers indicate that this devastating meteorite originated much farther out in the solar system than previously assumed—specifically, beyond the orbit of Jupiter. This new understanding sheds light on the celestial dynamics that contributed to one of Earth’s most significant mass extinction events.
Beyond Jupiter: The Origin of the Catastrophe
The meteorite that impacted Earth during the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary was approximately 11 kilometers in diameter and collided in what is now the Yucatan Peninsula, forming the Chicxulub Crater. This collision released energy equivalent to millions of atomic bombs, resulting in immediate devastation and long-term ecological consequences.
Recent analyses suggest that the offending celestial body was not just any asteroid; it was a meteorite from the outer solar system. This region includes the orbits of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—far beyond the familiar territory of asteroids clustered between Mars and Jupiter’s orbits.
Understanding the Terminology
Before diving deeper into this topic, let’s clarify some essential terms:
- Asteroid: A rocky body orbiting the sun, typically found in the region between Mars and Jupiter. They are larger than meteoroids.
- Meteoroid: A smaller rocky body that is often a fragment of an asteroid. When a meteoroid enters Earth’s atmosphere, it is called a meteor, and if it survives and reaches the surface, it becomes a meteorite.
- Comet: Comets are icy celestial bodies that lose material when they approach the sun due to the heat.
The Evidence Behind the Theory
The assertion that the meteorite originated from beyond Jupiter is backed by analysis of the K-Pg boundary layer, a geological signature of the extinction event detectable in sediment layers. This layer is rich in iridium, a rare element on Earth but more common in meteorites, suggesting a cosmic influence.
The study analyzed not only the iridium concentration but also examined platinum group elements (PGEs) such as osmium, palladium, and ruthenium. By comparing the isotopic signatures of ruthenium from this layer to various mineral samples from known asteroid impacts and even ancient meteorites, scientists could determine that the composition bore similarities to that of asteroids from the outer solar system, ruling out the possibility of a comet.
Table: Comparison of Celestial Bodies
| Feature | Asteroids | Meteoroids | Comets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Rocky | Rocky fragments | Ice and dust |
| Location | Mainly between Mars and Jupiter | Varies; can be found anywhere | Outer solar system and beyond |
| Impact on Earth | Can cause significant damage based on size | Smaller impacts; less damage | Potential for large “dirty snowballs” affecting climate |
The Aftermath: How Dinosaurs Faced Extinction
It is crucial to note that the extinction of the dinosaurs was not an instant event caused solely by the impact. Although the initial collision caused tsunamis, wildfires, and a hot wave, the most significant long-term effect was the extensive dust cloud that obstructed sunlight, severely disrupting photosynthesis and leading to a chain reaction in Earth’s food systems. Herbivores, struggling to find food, began to perish, leading to the inevitable decline of carnivores reliant on them.
Impact on Biodiversity
The K-Pg extinction event led to the loss of approximately 75% of all species on Earth, including most non-avian dinosaurs. However, certain groups—such as crocodiles, some birds, small mammals, and certain marine species—managed to survive and ultimately thrive in the aftermath. This survival paved the way for the emergence of mammals as dominant terrestrial animals.
Cumulative Extinctions: Historical Context
This event represents one of five major mass extinctions in Earth’s history. The Permian-Triassic extinction, for instance, obliterated about 96% of species. Although devastating, these extinction events have often led to periods of evolutionary bursts, resulting in the rise of entirely new species.
Conclusion: What This Means for Us
Understanding the origins of the celestial body that caused such widespread destruction allows scientists to better comprehend the dynamics that govern works in our solar system while also providing insights into how mass extinctions shape the course of biological evolution. This knowledge contributes to our ability to predict and possibly mitigate future extinction scenarios, whether through studying the trajectory of near-Earth objects or recognizing the signs of ecological imbalances in today’s world.
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