'The formation of the moon and the origin of Earth's water are two of the fundamental open questions in cosmo-chemistry,” said the lead author of a new study.
Earth's water originated from the event that is thought to have formed the moon early in the history of the solar system, according to research published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
The source of water on Earth and other rocky planets like Mars has long been a topic of contention for scientists, particularly because our planet formed in the “dry” inner solar system where there was a lack of the substance. The outer solar system was populated by meteorites containing water-rich “carbonaceous” material. Meanwhile, the inner solar system was filled mostly with non-carbonaceous meteorites which lacked water.
Isotopes—variants of a chemical element which differ in the number of neutrons—allowed the scientists to clearly distinguish between carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous materials, thus providing them with a “genetic fingerprint” of material from both the inner and outer solar system. According to the researchers, the delivery of water to the Earth and the formation of the moon—which stabilizes the planet’s axis—were both essential requirements for Earth’s habitability and the development of life.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fiction: Russian Nightmares, American DreamsBook Review: Julia Phillips's debut novel is set in a remote and mysterious place, but its concerns are instantly, and disturbingly, recognizable
Read more »
Rocket scientist explains how we could move planet Earth to save it from climate changeThere are several ways we could alter Earth's orbit so it is in a spot further away from the Sun.
Read more »
'He is the scum of all earth,' says mom of teen allegedly killed by carnival workerMother of Georgia teen allegedly murdered by traveling carnival worker describes him as 'the scum of all earth.' 'He is unfit to even be called a monster.'
Read more »
Enjoy Outer Space! I’ll Stay on Earth.Jeff Bezos thinks human beings will eventually live in outer space. JasonGay isn’t signing up.
Read more »
Mother Earth loses the Australian electionPrime Minister Scott Morrison's coalition held power over a Labor party that campaigned on climate change and was tipped to win for over a year. Some wealthy seats backed the cause, but most voters were alarmed at the economic cost. It’s a bad sign for the world from Down Under.
Read more »
China rare earth firms' stocks soar on trade war speculationShares in rare earth-related companies in China soared on Tuesday, a day after C...
Read more »
Bermuda volcano formed in a way that has never been seen anywhere else on EarthThe dormant volcano appears to have formed by mantle rising from the transition zone—the first time this has been documented.
Read more »
Rare earth firms' stocks soar on U.S.-China trade war speculationShares in rare earth-related companies soared on Tuesday, led by jumps in Chines...
Read more »