Study Suggests Earth Once Had Rings 466 Million Years Ago

Researchers propose that an ancient asteroid breakup formed a ring system around Earth, influencing climate and meteorite impacts.

Scientists at Monash University theorize that Earth had a ring system 466 million years ago during the Ordovician Period.
The rings likely formed when a large asteroid passed within Earth's Roche limit and was torn apart by the planet's gravity.
Evidence includes 21 meteorite impact craters near the ancient equator and unusual amounts of meteorite debris in sedimentary rocks from that era.
The ring system may have contributed to global cooling, potentially explaining the Hirnantian Icehouse period's significant temperature drop.
This discovery adds complexity to our understanding of how extraterrestrial events have historically impacted Earth's climate and geology.