Abstract
Direct links between carbonaceous chondrites and their parent bodies in the solar system are rare. The Winchcombe meteorite is the most accurately recorded carbonaceous chondrite fall. Its pre-atmospheric orbit and cosmic-ray exposure age confirm that it arrived on Earth shortly after ejection from a primitive asteroid. Recovered only hours after falling, the composition of the Winchcombe meteorite is largely unmodified by the terrestrial environment. It contains abundant hydrated silicates formed during fluid-rock reactions, and carbon- and nitrogen-bearing organic matter including soluble protein amino acids. The near-pristine hydrogen isotopic composition of the Winchcombe meteorite is comparable to the terrestrial hydrosphere, providing further evidence that volatile-rich carbonaceous asteroids played an important role in the origin of Earth’s water.
DOI
10.1126/sciadv.abq3925
Publication Date
2022-11-18
Publication Title
Science Advances
Volume
8
Issue
46
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
ISSN
2375-2548
Embargo Period
2024-11-25
Keywords
Carbonaceous Chondrites, Meteorite, Winchcombe
Recommended Citation
King, A., Daly, L., Rowe, J., & et al. (2022) 'The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine witness from the outer solar system', Science Advances, 8(46). American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abq3925
