M. Brož, P. Vernazza, M. Marsset, F. E. DeMeo, R. P. Binzel, D. Vokrouhlický, D. Nesvorný
{"title":"Young asteroid families as the primary source of meteorites","authors":"M. Brož, P. Vernazza, M. Marsset, F. E. DeMeo, R. P. Binzel, D. Vokrouhlický, D. Nesvorný","doi":"10.1038/s41586-024-08006-7","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Understanding the origin of bright shooting stars and their meteorite samples is among the most ancient of astronomy-related questions, which at larger scales has human consequences1–3. As of today, only approximately 6% of meteorite falls have been firmly linked to their sources (Moon, Mars or asteroid (4) Vesta4–6). Here we show that approximately 70% of meteorites originate from three recent break-ups of D > 30 km asteroids that occurred 5.8, 7.6 and less than about 40 Myr ago. These break-ups, including the well-known Karin family7, took place in the prominent yet old Koronis and Massalia families and are at the origin of the dominance of H and L ordinary chondrites among meteorite falls. These young families are distinguished among all main belt asteroids by having a uniquely high abundance of small fragments. Their size–frequency distribution remained steep for a few tens of millions of years, exceeding temporarily the production of metre-sized fragments by the largest old asteroid families (for example, Flora and Vesta). Supporting evidence includes the existence of associated dust bands8–10, the cosmic-ray exposure ages of H-chondrite meteorites11,12 and the distribution of the pre-atmospheric orbits of meteorites13–15. Three relatively recent break-up events relating to young asteroid families are probably the dominant sources of the current influx of meteoritic material to the Earth.","PeriodicalId":18787,"journal":{"name":"Nature","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":50.5000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nature","FirstCategoryId":"103","ListUrlMain":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08006-7","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Understanding the origin of bright shooting stars and their meteorite samples is among the most ancient of astronomy-related questions, which at larger scales has human consequences1–3. As of today, only approximately 6% of meteorite falls have been firmly linked to their sources (Moon, Mars or asteroid (4) Vesta4–6). Here we show that approximately 70% of meteorites originate from three recent break-ups of D > 30 km asteroids that occurred 5.8, 7.6 and less than about 40 Myr ago. These break-ups, including the well-known Karin family7, took place in the prominent yet old Koronis and Massalia families and are at the origin of the dominance of H and L ordinary chondrites among meteorite falls. These young families are distinguished among all main belt asteroids by having a uniquely high abundance of small fragments. Their size–frequency distribution remained steep for a few tens of millions of years, exceeding temporarily the production of metre-sized fragments by the largest old asteroid families (for example, Flora and Vesta). Supporting evidence includes the existence of associated dust bands8–10, the cosmic-ray exposure ages of H-chondrite meteorites11,12 and the distribution of the pre-atmospheric orbits of meteorites13–15. Three relatively recent break-up events relating to young asteroid families are probably the dominant sources of the current influx of meteoritic material to the Earth.
期刊介绍:
Nature is a prestigious international journal that publishes peer-reviewed research in various scientific and technological fields. The selection of articles is based on criteria such as originality, importance, interdisciplinary relevance, timeliness, accessibility, elegance, and surprising conclusions. In addition to showcasing significant scientific advances, Nature delivers rapid, authoritative, insightful news, and interpretation of current and upcoming trends impacting science, scientists, and the broader public. The journal serves a dual purpose: firstly, to promptly share noteworthy scientific advances and foster discussions among scientists, and secondly, to ensure the swift dissemination of scientific results globally, emphasizing their significance for knowledge, culture, and daily life.