Scientists Discover Oldest Meteorite Crater in History

Australian scientists have identified the world’s oldest known meteorite impact crater, a discovery that could transform our understanding of Earth’s early history and the origins of life, according to a study published on Thursday.

The crater, located in a remote region of northwestern Australia, “significantly challenges previous assumptions about our planet’s ancient past,” researchers from Curtin University stated in their report.

The team analyzed rock layers in the North Pole Dome and uncovered evidence of a massive meteorite impact dating back 3.5 billion years.

“Before this discovery, the oldest known impact crater was 2.2 billion years old, making this the oldest ever found on Earth,” said study co-lead Professor Tim Johnson.

Professor Chris Kirkland, also a co-lead author, highlighted the impact of the discovery on understanding Earth’s early environment.

“Identifying this impact—and potentially others from the same period—could help explain how life began, as impact craters created conditions suitable for microbial life, such as hot water pools,” Kirkland said.

He added that the immense energy from the impact likely played a role in shaping Earth’s early crust, offering new insights into crust formation.

According to the study, the meteorite is estimated to have struck at a speed of over 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) per hour, creating a crater more than 100 kilometers wide and possibly scattering debris across the planet.

“Until now, the lack of truly ancient craters has led geologists to largely overlook their significance,” Johnson noted.

“This study provides a crucial piece of Earth’s impact history and suggests that many more ancient craters may still be waiting to be discovered.”