Impacts Were Once a Common Occurrence
During the early days of the solar system, asteroid collisions were frequent. While gas giants had the ability to destroy most large objects in their atmospheres, smaller planets with solid surfaces were less fortunate. In fact, it is believed that a massive collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body led to the formation of our Moon.
Over time, the frequency of these cosmic bombardments decreased as available material dwindled. However, Earth still occasionally attracted sizable asteroids.
Around 3 billion years ago, one such asteroid - estimated to be 200 times larger than the one that ended the age of dinosaurs - slammed into the planet.
The Consequences Were Unimaginable
S2 is not widely known, as its existence was only discovered in 2014 during research in South Africa's Barberton Greenstone Belt.
As one might expect, its impact was catastrophic. At the time, Earth was inhabited only by simple microorganisms, most of which were eradicated by the collision and its aftermath.
Upon impact, an immense amount of thermal energy was released, heating the atmosphere to boiling temperatures. The oceans, too, began to rapidly evaporate.
Simultaneously, a massive tsunami surged across the planet, capable of flooding most of today’s continents. Additionally, a colossal amount of rock and debris was ejected into the air, remaining suspended in the atmosphere for a long time.
With sunlight unable to penetrate this dense cloud of debris, most microorganisms perished in the drastic environmental shift. However, some organisms managed to adapt and even thrive.
FAQ
When did asteroid S2 hit Earth?
Around 3 billion years ago. It was estimated to be 200 times larger than the asteroid that ended the age of dinosaurs.
How was asteroid S2 discovered?
Its existence was only discovered in 2014, during research in South Africa's Barberton Greenstone Belt.
What happened when asteroid S2 hit Earth?
The impact released immense thermal energy that heated the atmosphere to boiling temperatures and made the oceans evaporate rapidly. A massive tsunami surged across the planet, and ejected debris blocked sunlight, killing most microorganisms.
Did asteroid S2 help life on Earth?
Yes, in the long run. Life evolved at an accelerated pace, because elements such as iron and phosphorus thrown into the environment gave the surviving organisms nutrients to thrive.
Life Always Finds a Way
Despite the seemingly apocalyptic event, life did not vanish. Instead, it evolved at an accelerated pace. This was largely due to elements such as iron and phosphorus, which were thrown into the environment alongside other materials.
These elements provided surviving organisms with the necessary nutrients to thrive, speeding up their evolution. In the grand scheme, the impact of asteroid S2 was beneficial—without it, humanity might never have emerged.
For billions of years, Earth was frequently bombarded by asteroids. Fortunately, today, the solar system has cleared out most of the large, freely floating celestial bodies. Had we existed at the time of S2’s impact, we would have been erased in an instant.
