Strange Glass in Australia Reveals a Massive Meteorite Impact
Unusual glassy spheres scattered across the Australian desert provide evidence of an ancient meteorite impact previously unknown to scientists. A recent study led by geoscientist Anna Musolino from Aix-Marseille University in France identified tiny glass beads in South Australia as a unique impact-melt composition not seen anywhere else on Earth.
Discovery of Ananguites
These newly named ananguites are believed to have formed from a colossal impact event approximately 11 million years ago. Despite the impact’s scale, no crater has been found associated with this event, even though the mineral traces have survived in detectable quantities over millions of years.
"These glasses are unique to Australia and have recorded an ancient impact event we did not even know about," says geochronologist and geochemist Fred Jourdan of Curtin University in Australia.
"They formed when an asteroid slammed into Earth, melting surface rock and scattering debris for thousands of kilometres. These tiny pieces of glass are like little time capsules from deep in our planet's history."
"What makes the discovery even more intriguing is that, although the impact must have been immense, scientists are yet to locate the crater."
Impact Glass Distribution
The desert regions of southern Australia are covered with these small glass beads, known as tektites, which were formed by the intense heat and pressure from the meteorite impact.
Significance of the Finding
- The ananguites represent a previously unknown category of impact glass.
- The event occurred around 11 million years ago.
- No corresponding crater has been found despite evidence of widespread impact glass.
This discovery not only expands the catalog of known ancient impacts but also challenges scientists to explain the absence of a crater for such a massive event.
Author's summary: Unique glass spheres in Australia reveal a massive, 11-million-year-old meteorite impact with no discovered crater, offering new insights into Earth's impact history.
More News
- Patriots running back Tre’Veyon Henderson named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month
- [Report: Earlier Start Times for UFC Numbered Events Expected to Be Permanent]
- [Definition of 'someone's days are numbered' — Collins Dictionary]
- 2025 News items - Conference marks milestone in initiative to support services trade in developing economies
- Yacht Ocean Angel Shows Softer Side to Serious Cruising
- SERIOUS | Pronunciation in English - Cambridge Dictionary
- La fiche de Jordan HENDERSON, joueur BRENTFORD
- UNESCO works towards Ukraine’s recovery thanks to support from Japan
- Wreckreation dev
- The everyday fruit juice that may help steady blood pressure and soothe inflammation