Researchers Paolo Sossi and Dan Bower at ETH Zurich looked again at isotope data from many meteorites, including pieces from Mars and the asteroid Vesta. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different mass.
The team used data from ten different isotopic systems and a special statistical method. Earlier studies mostly used only two isotopic systems. By using more types of data, the team got clearer results.
They conclude that Earth is made of material from the inner solar system and not from beyond Jupiter. Jupiter probably stopped much outer material from entering the inner region. The findings change ideas about how Earth got its water.
Difficult words
- isotope — Atoms of same element with different massIsotopes
- meteorite — Rock from space that hits a planetmeteorites
- asteroid — A small rocky body orbiting the Sun
- isotopic system — A set of related isotopes used in analysisisotopic systems
- statistical method — A way to study data with mathematics
- conclude — To decide something after looking at facts
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a meteorite or a museum display of one? Where?
- Why might Jupiter stop material from moving into the inner solar system?
- How can using more kinds of data help scientists reach clearer results?
Related articles
Disposable gloves can cause false microplastic counts
University of Michigan researchers found that coatings on disposable nitrile and latex gloves can leave stearate residues that look like microplastics. The contamination can affect filters and slides used for air, water and other samples.
Inequality and Pandemics: Why Science Alone Is Not Enough
Matthew M. Kavanagh says science can detect viruses and make vaccines fast, but rising inequality makes pandemics worse. He proposes debt relief, shared technology, regional manufacturing and stronger social support to stop future crises.
Two-step treatment reveals hidden regeneration in mammals
A study by Texas A&M researchers in Nature Communications found a two-step treatment with two growth factors can produce blastema-like tissue and rebuild bone and connective parts after amputation. The method may first reduce scarring and improve repair.