Scientists Trace 90% of Earth's Meteorites to Three Asteroid Families

Overview

• An international team has identified that 70% of Earth's meteorites come from three specific asteroid families: Karin, Koronis, and Massalia.
• These asteroid families were formed from collisions occurring 5.8 million, 7.5 million, and about 40 million years ago, respectively.
• Chondrites, which make up 85% of Earth's meteorites, are primarily linked to these asteroid families, providing insights into the early solar system.
• Researchers used telescopic surveys and simulations to match meteorite compositions with their source asteroids in the asteroid belt.
• The findings could guide future space missions aimed at studying the asteroids responsible for the majority of meteorites on Earth.