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?
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