Re-evaluation of the spherules proposed origin recovered from the Pacific Ocean site of the CNEOS 2014-01-08 (IM1) bolide

Abstract

In a recent publication by Loeb et al. (2024), the collection of spherules from the Pacific Ocean was classified as extraterrestrial, specifically micrometeorites. We critically evaluate their findings and conclusions, pointing out inaccuracies in their data interpretation. A comprehensive re-examination of these spherules is essential to classify them as micrometeorites accurately. We argue that the spherules they studied are primarily volcanic or terrestrial in origin, and we emphasize that a revision of their classification is crucial given the flawed observations. This work highlights the challenges faced by researchers and specialists who are not focused on micrometeorites when attempting to locate specific meteor particles from the ocean's depths, a task often regarded as nearly impossible due to the complexities involved in identifying and retrieving these objects. It is advisable to adopt standardized protocols to reduce the possibilities of unreliable interpretations in micrometeorite research. Additionally, “cosmic spherules” should not be used indiscriminately to describe recovered particles, underscoring the importance of adhering to specific chemical and textural characteristics.