Meteorite discovery may change solar system formation timeline

A meteorite from Northwest Africa offers new insights into the formation of the Solar System.

Ancient meteorite may change timeline of the solar system

Meteorite Northwest Africa 12264 could shift our understanding of the Solar System's timeline. Discovered in 2018, this 50.8-gram piece of rock was sold by a vendor in Morocco to an independent researcher. Its analysis reveals that planetary formation in the outer Solar System happened at a speed comparable to that of inner planets, a significant deviation from previous beliefs. Lead isotopes date the rock to about 4.564 billion years, challenging notions of delayed differentiation due to icy conditions. According to Dr Rider-Stokes, the lead author, the findings suggest simultaneous processes in planet formation across the solar system.

The discovery tied to meteorite Northwest Africa 12264 challenges established models of how planets formed in our Solar System. Previous theories suggested that planets further from the sun developed more slowly due to external conditions. In contrast, new evidence indicates that these outer planets were forming rapidly at the same time as those closer to the sun. This revelation not only refines our understanding of planetary timelines but also invites further questions about planetary formation on a broader scale, potentially impacting theories in other star systems.

Highlights

As research continues, our view of planetary formation may evolve significantly.