Rare Meteorite Identified as Dinosaur-Killer 66 Million Years Ago

Topic: Space

Scientists from around the world have identified a rare type of meteorite that likely caused the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The research team analyzed nickel isotopes preserved in material left behind by the impact and found that it was a CO chondrite, a type of carbonaceous meteorite. This discovery helps scientists understand how the impact led to such widespread destruction.

Scientists have been trying to figure out what caused the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. A team of researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Paris, Brussels, and Vienna analyzed nickel isotopes preserved in material left behind by the Cretaceous-Paleogene impact.

The research team found that the meteorite was a CO chondrite, a rare type of carbonaceous meteorite. This type of meteorite contains much less volatile elements like carbon, zinc, water, and sulfur than other types of meteorites. The researchers believe that this difference in composition is important for understanding how the impact caused such widespread destruction.

The team used highly precise nickel isotope measurements to narrow down the impactor to a rare class of carbonaceous meteorite. They analyzed samples gathered over many years from a thin layer of clay deposited around the world after the impact. The global clay layer contains only faint traces of the original object, making it difficult to determine exactly what struck Earth.

The researchers found that the meteorite was likely about 10 to 15 kilometers across and struck Earth at roughly 64,000 km/h. It created the enormous Chicxulub crater, which is now buried beneath Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Why It Matters

This discovery helps scientists understand how a massive impact can cause widespread destruction on our planet. It also highlights the importance of preserving and analyzing evidence from past events to learn more about our universe.

Key Facts

• The meteorite that likely caused the extinction of dinosaurs was identified as a CO chondrite, a rare type of carbonaceous meteorite.
• The researchers analyzed nickel isotopes preserved in material left behind by the Cretaceous-Paleogene impact to narrow down the impactor.
• The meteorite was likely about 10 to 15 kilometers across and struck Earth at roughly 64,000 km/h.
• The Chicxulub crater is now buried beneath Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.
• CO chondrites contain much less volatile elements like carbon, zinc, water, and sulfur than other types of meteorites.

Key Terms

Carbonaceous Chondrite

A type of meteorite that contains a high amount of organic material.

CO Chondrite

A rare type of carbonaceous chondrite with low levels of volatile elements.

Cretaceous-Paleogene Impact

The massive impact event that occurred 66 million years ago and caused the extinction of dinosaurs.

Implications

This discovery helps scientists understand how a massive impact can cause widespread destruction on our planet. It also highlights the importance of preserving and analyzing evidence from past events to learn more about our universe.