South Australia – Scientists have uncovered stunning new evidence of a massive asteroid impact that struck Earth around 11 million years ago, hidden in plain sight across the Australian landscape.
The discovery centers on natural glass fragments known as tektites, scattered throughout South Australia. These glossy stones are formed when a meteorite collision releases enough energy to melt surface rocks, sending molten material flying across thousands of kilometers before cooling into glass.
A Hidden Impact Beneath Australia’s Surface
Published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, the study was led by Dr. Anna Musolino of Aix-Marseille University, with co-author Professor Fred Jourdan from Curtin University. Their research revealed that the Australian tektites have a unique chemical composition and an unexpectedly ancient age, distinguishing them from all known tektite fields.
“These glasses recorded an ancient impact event we didn’t even know about,” said Professor Jourdan. “They are time capsules from deep in Earth’s history.”
The Missing Crater Mystery
The findings point to an enormous asteroid impact powerful enough to melt large portions of the Earth’s crust and eject molten debris more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) away. Despite the evidence, scientists have yet to locate the impact crater responsible for the event.
Professor Jourdan noted that identifying ancient asteroid strikes helps scientists better assess future impact risks, which is crucial for planetary defense and understanding the long-term evolution of Earth’s surface.
Older Than the Australasian Tektite Field
The newly discovered South Australian glasses appear to predate the Australasian tektite field, one of the largest impact-related formations on the planet. Researchers believe this ancient event may have been linked to a volcanic arc zone, marking a distinct episode in Earth’s geological past.
“This discovery adds a missing chapter to Australia’s geological history,” said Dr. Musolino. “Further exploration of the region could finally uncover the long-lost crater behind these mysterious glass fragments.”
Why It Matters
Scientists say that studying these impact glasses not only provides insights into Earth’s violent past but also helps improve asteroid detection and defense strategies. As researchers continue to analyze the fragments, Australia may soon reveal the hidden scars of one of the planet’s most powerful cosmic collisions.