Overview

• A PLOS One study published August 6 reports metallic debris and silica-rich microspherules in four Baffin Bay sediment cores dated to the onset of the Younger Dryas
• Advanced techniques including single-particle mass spectrometry and electron microscopy revealed mineral compositions consistent with cometary material
• Researchers detected nanoparticles enriched in platinum, iridium, nickel and cobalt indicating an extraterrestrial origin
• These marine findings fill a critical gap by providing underwater proxies for the contested Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis
• The research team intends to analyze additional ocean cores worldwide to assess the global reach of the extraterrestrial signatures