Unveiling the Origins of Earth’s Meteorites
Since the birth of our planet 4.5 billion years ago, meteorites have been hurling towards Earth, sometimes causing cataclysms. Recent research has shed light on the origins of these space rocks, revealing that about 70% of known meteorite impacts come from three groups of asteroids in our solar system’s main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Through numerical simulations and composition analysis, astronomers have identified the Massalia, Karin, and Koronis asteroid families as the sources of a significant portion of Earth’s meteorites. These findings also highlight the role of collisions in the main asteroid belt in propelling rocky fragments towards our planet.
While some meteorites have been linked to specific celestial bodies like the moon, Mars, and Vesta, the source of others remains unknown. These space rocks, remnants of the early solar system, provide valuable insights into its formation and evolution.
The research not only deepens our understanding of meteorite origins but also underscores the potential threat posed by large space rocks. Initiatives like NASA’s DART spacecraft aim to mitigate this risk by studying planetary defense strategies against potential impactors.