Earth's ancient rings: Scientists uncover cosmic mystery

Earth might have had a ring system in the past, similar to those of Saturn. Scientists drew these conclusions based on the analysis of the locations of craters on our planet.

Scientists, based on the analysis of asteroid craters, claimed that over 450 million years ago, our planet might have been surrounded by a ring system. Experts from Monash University, writing in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, presented a revolutionary theory. According to them, about 460 million years ago, a ring system similar to Saturn's might have formed in Earth's orbit.

During this time, in the geological period known as the Ordovician, meteorite bombardment significantly increased. Researchers reached this conclusion after analyzing 21 well-preserved craters in various parts of the world. Asteroid impacts formed these craters, all in a specific location.

All the craters are located within 30 degrees of the equator. Scientists note that over 70% of the continental Earth's crust is outside this region. "Ordinary" asteroids strike Earth randomly, resulting in an even distribution of impact craters. This can be observed, for example, on the Moon or Mars.

Scientists believe that a large asteroid approached Earth in the past. Due to tidal forces, it might have broken apart near our planet, forming a ring of rocks around it, similar to the rings present today around Saturn and other gas giants.

For millions of years, ring material fell to Earth, accounting for the increased meteorite bombardment, the traces of which are observed in geological records. "We also see that layers in sedimentary rocks from this period contain extraordinary amounts of meteorite debris," asserts Prof. Andy Tomkins, the study's author.

Researchers speculate that the ring might have cast a shadow on Earth, limiting sunlight and thus contributing to the global cooling that occurred during the period known as the Hirnantian. This period (at the end of the Ordovician) is considered the coldest time of the last 500 million years. Researchers also wonder if Earth had more rings in history and whether they influenced Earth's climate.

"The idea that a ring system could have influenced global temperatures adds a new layer of complexity to our understanding of how extra-terrestrial events may have shaped Earth’s climate," emphasizes Prof. Tomkins.