Document Type
Article
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 Link
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: 10.1126/sciadv.abq3925
