Unveiling the Origin of the Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid

Sixty-six million years ago, a massive six-mile C-type asteroid from beyond Jupiter struck Earth, forming the Chicxulub Crater and triggering mass extinction. Ruthenium isotopes in the asteroid align with carbon-rich meteorites.

While rare, such impacts occur every 10,000-20,000 years, with NASA actively testing asteroid deflection strategies. Despite no imminent threat, the profound impact of the Chicxulub impactor on Earth's history is evident, allowing mammals to thrive and leading to the emergence of humans.

Recent studies confirm it was an asteroid, not a comet, that ended the dinosaurs, shedding light on the cosmic origins of this catastrophic event.