NASA-led research uncovers cosmic origins of our planet’s oceans

In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, planetary scientists have uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that comets played a crucial role in delivering water to Earth billions of years ago.

The research, led by NASA’s Kathleen Mandt, focuses on the molecular composition of water in Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, offering unprecedented insights into our planet’s aquatic origins.

A cosmic puzzle solved

When Earth formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago, water existed only in gas and dust form. The mystery of how our planet became rich in liquid water has long puzzled scientists. This new research provides a significant piece of the cosmic puzzle, suggesting that asteroids and comets may have been the primary water transporters.

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At the heart of the research is a unique molecular signature involving deuterium, a specific hydrogen isotope. Scientists have discovered that the deuterium levels in water found in Jupiter-family comets closely match those in Earth’s oceans.

“So I was just curious if we could find evidence for that happening at 67P. And this is just one of those very rare cases where you propose a hypothesis and find it happening,” Mandt explained.

How comets deliver water

The study reveals a fascinating mechanism of water transportation. As comets approach the sun, their surface warms, releasing gases and dust containing water ice. Interestingly, water with deuterium tends to stick more readily to dust grains, creating a complex distribution pattern.

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“As a comet moves in its orbit closer to the Sun, its surface warms up, causing gas to release from the surface, including dust with bits of water ice on it,” the research notes.

Implications for understanding our solar system

This research extends beyond explaining Earth’s water origins. It provides critical insights into the formation of the early solar system, offering scientists a clearer understanding of the complex processes that shaped our cosmic neighborhood.

The Rosetta mission’s contribution

The groundbreaking findings were made possible by data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Rosetta mission, which captured detailed information about Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Advanced statistical computation techniques allowed researchers to analyze the comet’s molecular composition with unprecedented precision.

Looking forward

While this study provides significant evidence for comets’ role in delivering water to Earth, scientists continue to explore and validate these findings. The research opens new avenues for understanding planetary formation and the intricate processes that make life on Earth possible.

As our understanding of the cosmos expands, each discovery like this reminds us of the extraordinary journey that brought water—and potentially life—to our planet.