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

New studies reveal that most meteorites originate from recent asteroid collisions in the belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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.