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Posted on 08/07/2025 9:59:18 AM PDT by Red Badger
New research reveals compelling evidence of a comet explosion 12,800 years ago, found in ocean sediment cores, supporting the theory of a global climate shift during the Younger Dryas period.
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In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered compelling evidence of a comet that exploded in Earth’s atmosphere 12,800 years ago. The discovery, detailed in the journal PLOS One, stems from an in-depth analysis of oceanic sediment cores extracted from Baffin Bay, located near Greenland. These cores, containing ancient sedimentary layers, revealed the presence of unique microscopic particles that could only have originated from a comet or meteor. The study, led by geoscientist Christopher Moore of the University of South Carolina, not only provides new insights into a controversial period in Earth’s history but also bolsters the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis. This theory posits that a cosmic event may have caused a sudden and dramatic climate shift, plunging Earth into a 1,200-year-long cold spell during a time of warming.
The findings presented by Moore and his team add weight to the argument that this cataclysmic event, likely a comet explosion, had global implications, offering new evidence for a long-debated theory that has yet to be fully accepted by the scientific community. The implications of this discovery reach far beyond the immediate cooling effects; they speak to the broader understanding of how extraterrestrial impacts may have shaped Earth’s geological and biological history. As we explore the evidence in greater detail, this article will delve into the research methodologies, findings, and future directions for investigating the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis.
Exploring the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis
The Younger Dryas period, which occurred approximately 12,800 years ago, remains one of the most intriguing events in Earth’s climatic history. During this time, the planet abruptly shifted from a warm climate to near-glacial conditions. For many years, scientists debated the cause of this sudden cooling, with theories ranging from drastic shifts in ocean currents to volcanic activity. However, one of the most intriguing hypotheses is that of a comet or asteroid impact. This theory suggests that a cosmic object collided with or exploded in Earth’s atmosphere, triggering a rapid cooling event that disrupted the climate for over a millennium.
While this hypothesis has been contentious, with many scientists questioning the evidence and the absence of a clear impact crater, recent studies have begun to shed new light on the event. The research led by Moore and his team provides compelling evidence that the Younger Dryas impact event was not only plausible but likely global in scale. By analyzing sediment cores from Baffin Bay, the team has found key markers—microspherules and metallic dust particles—that strongly suggest the presence of cometary material. These findings support previous reports of similar evidence from terrestrial sites around the world, building a more robust case for the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis.
Sediment Cores: A Window into Earth’s Past
The core samples taken from Baffin Bay were not just a random selection. Moore’s team specifically chose these marine cores because of their unique properties. As Moore explains, “We chose to analyze marine cores from Baffin Bay to determine if Younger Dryas impact proxies reported from dozens of terrestrial sites globally were present in ocean cores.” These cores, preserved deep in the ocean, offered an excellent opportunity to examine sediments that were relatively undisturbed by human activities. “The sites were significant because they were a considerable distance from potential anthropogenic [human] contamination, and in most cases, the cores were highly laminated, indicating that the record was relatively undisturbed,” Moore elaborated.
The significance of these sediment cores lies in their ability to preserve a detailed chronological record of past events. By extracting and analyzing these cores, scientists can determine the precise timing of the Younger Dryas event. This, in turn, allows them to correlate the impact event with the sudden cooling of Earth’s climate. The method used to analyze these cores, which included radiocarbon dating and advanced particle analysis, helped the team identify small metallic particles that were likely deposited during the time of the comet explosion. These findings add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the Younger Dryas cooling was not just a localized event but a global one.
Image Some of the silica- and iron-rich microspherules found in the cores. (Moore et al., PLOS One, 2025)
The Cometary Evidence: What the Cores Reveal
When analyzing the Baffin Bay cores, the research team discovered several key indicators of an extraterrestrial impact. According to Moore, “The Younger Dryas sediment layer in the Baffin cores contains multiple proxies consistent with an impact event. Microspherules, twisted and deformed metallic dust particles with chemistry consistent with comet or meteoritic material, meltglass, and identification of nanoparticle peaks in key elements (e.g., platinum and iridium) suggest an impact event.” These microspherules are tiny, spherical grains of material that form when a cosmic object enters Earth’s atmosphere and heats up, causing it to melt and vaporize. The presence of these microspherules in the cores is a strong indicator that the comet exploded after entering the atmosphere.
In addition to the microspherules, the team found unusual levels of platinum and iridium, two metals that are commonly associated with extraterrestrial objects. These elements are rare on Earth but are more abundant in comets and asteroids. The presence of these materials in the Baffin Bay cores provides further evidence that a cometary object was involved in the Younger Dryas impact event. These findings align with similar discoveries made at terrestrial sites, which collectively suggest that the Younger Dryas impact was not just a localized incident but a global catastrophe that affected ecosystems around the world.
Image Impact meltglass particles found in the Baffin cores. (Moore et al., PLOS One, 2025)
Implications for the Younger Dryas Impact Theory The discovery of cometary material in ocean sediments is not just an isolated finding; it is part of a growing body of evidence that suggests the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis may be more than just a theory. As Moore states, “This evidence is supported by the findings on terrestrial sites on multiple continents in both hemispheres. This work builds on other evidence that the Younger Dryas impact event was likely global in scale.” The implications of this research are far-reaching, as they suggest that a single extraterrestrial event could have triggered one of the most dramatic climate shifts in Earth’s history.
The global scale of the Younger Dryas impact event is significant because it challenges the traditional understanding of climate change. If a comet or asteroid were responsible for the cooling, it would suggest that Earth’s climate can be influenced by events far beyond our planet. This raises important questions about the potential for future cosmic impacts and the long-term effects they could have on Earth’s environment. As scientists continue to study the evidence, it may be possible to better understand the relationship between extraterrestrial events and Earth’s climate, helping to predict and mitigate potential future risks.
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Thanks Red Badger, nice twofer!
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Nice work!!!
One question I have is: what about nickel rather than iron? I’d be looking for evidence of nickel to try to distinguish between a comet and an M-type asteroid.
My other question: would an explosion at altitude rather than a surface impact really introduce enough material in the atmosphere for such a long cooling period?
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain?
I didn’t know Willy Nelson was THAT old!.................
Comet
It will make your teeth turn green
Comet
It tastes like gasoline
Comet
It will make you vomit
So get some Comet and vomit today!
I remember that!................
I would imagine it made a rather huge splash and steam cloud..................
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