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Natural Awakenings Milwaukee Magazine

New Findings About Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid

space view astroid and earth

Science Photo Library/CanvaPro

Scientists in Europe and the U.S. have discovered some surprising facts about the asteroid that struck the Earth 66 million years ago and wiped out the dinosaurs. By analyzing the dust that covered the Earth following the collision, they surmise that it was formed beyond the orbit of Jupiter in an extremely cold region. The asteroid was rich in water and carbon, making it unique among those that have hit the Earth in the last 500 million years.