A new scientific study has challenged long-held theories about Earth’s origin. It shows that the planet was not formed from deep space material but rather from nearby regions within the Solar System. Researchers found that Earth’s building blocks mostly came from the inner Solar System.
These findings contradict earlier beliefs that a large part of Earth’s material came from beyond Jupiter, particularly to explain the presence of water and volatile elements. Instead, scientists now suggest that these elements were already present closer to the Sun.
The study, led by researchers at ETH Zurich, analyzed the isotopic compositions of meteorites and compared them with Earth’s chemical makeup. The results showed a strong match with materials found in bodies of the inner Solar System, such as Mars and asteroid Vesta.
Researchers also found that material from the outer Solar System likely contributed less than two percent to Earth’s total mass, or possibly none at all. This challenges decades of scientific assumptions.
The study suggests that Jupiter’s early formation may have acted as a barrier, preventing outer Solar System material from reaching the inner region where Earth formed.
Scientists say these findings provide new insights into planetary formation and could help improve our understanding of the origins of other planets in our Solar System.
