Research reveals the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs

By Nina Notman2024-10-25T09:49:00

Source: © Steve Munsinger/Science Photo Library

Isotopes help to identify the type of asteroid responsible for the catastrophic event that made dinosaurs extinct

Researchers analysed ruthenium isotope ratios in Earth’s crust to determine the origin of a major asteroid impact. They found that the impact that likely caused the dinosaur extinction was caused by a rare carbonaceous chondrite asteroid from the far outer solar system. Other impacts throughout Earth’s history were caused by more common types of meteorites. Use this story and the accompanying summary slide for a real-world context when studying isotopes with your 14–16 learners.

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