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Scientists have discovered evidence of a second large asteroid impact that occurred around the same time as the dinosaur extinction event 66M years ago, suggesting that not one but two asteroid impacts occurred during that tumultuous time in geologic history.

Nature

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According to a study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment on Thursday, the newly studied Nadir crater, located off the coast of Guinea in West Africa, is presumed to have been created by an asteroid estimated at 450-500 meters (492-547 yards) wide.

Using 3D seismic imaging, scientists mapped the crater rim and geological scars 300 meters (328 yards) beneath the ocean floor, providing granular detail of a marine impact crater.

NDTV.com

The asteroid that created the Nadir crater is believed to have struck Earth at approximately 72K km/hr (44K mph), coming from 20-40 degrees to the northeast.

Mashable India

The impact triggered intense tremors, liquefying sediments beneath the ocean floor, causing faults to form, and unleashing a massive tsunami over 800 meters (875 yards) high that would have transvered the Atlantic.

Scientific American

WION

While smaller than the "Chicxulub," Yucatan impact linked to dinosaur extinction, the Nadir crater discovery suggests the possibility of a cluster of asteroid impacts at the end of the Cretaceous period.

Daily Mail #4235

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Scientists have discovered evidence of a second large asteroid impact that occurred around the same time as the dinosaur extinction event 66M years ago, suggesting that not one but two asteroids had pushed the dinosaurs to extinction.

BBC News #

According to a study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment on Thursday, the newly studied Nadir crater, located off the coast of Guinea in West Africa, measured nearly five miles across and was created by an asteroid estimated to be 450-500 meters wide.

Using 3D seismic imaging, scientists mapped the crater rim and geological scars 300 meters beneath the ocean floor, providing unprecedented detail of a marine impact crater.

The asteroid that created the Nadir crater is believed to have struck Earth at approximately 72K kilometers per hour, coming from 20-40 degrees to the northeast.

The impact triggered intense tremors, liquefying sediments beneath the ocean floor, causing faults to form, and unleashing a massive tsunami over 800 meters high that would have traveled across the Atlantic.

Scientific American #11579

While smaller than the Chicxulub impact linked to dinosaur extinction, the Nadir crater discovery suggests the possibility of a cluster of asteroid impacts at the end of the Cretaceous period.

This discovery is a game-changer for understanding Earth's history. Multiple giant asteroid impacts around the same time could have had a cumulative effect on the planet's climate and ecosystems, potentially explaining the severity of the mass extinction event. The detailed imaging of the Nadir crater provides valuable insights into impact processes and their consequences.

Asteroid that eradicated dinosaurs not a one-off, say scientists

While significant, the Nadir crater pales in comparison to the Chicxulub impact. Its effects were likely localized and may not have contributed significantly to global climate change or mass extinction. When discussing the end-Cretaceous extinction, the focus should remain on the larger, more catastrophic Chicxulub event.

The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs was NOT alone: Scientists discover evidence that a second devastating space rock smashed into Earth 66 million years ago

While scientists appear to have finally found the cause of the dinosaur's abrupt extinction, the species was likely on its way out — albeit at a slower rate — without the help of a celestial attack. At the time, the Earth was cooling, thus turning widespread tropical climates into less vegetative climates. Like most species throughout Earth's history, dinosaurs likely lost their food source.

Big Think

Dinosaurs were doomed even before the asteroid. Here’s why.

There's a 2% chance that before 2025, an asteroid or comet estimated to be at least 50 meters in diameter will be detected to be due to collide with Earth before 2100, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Metaculus

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Before 2025, will an asteroid or comet estimated to be at least 50 meters in diameter be detected to be due to collide with Earth before 2100?

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Study: Multiple Asteroids Wiped Out Dinosaurs

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West Africa

This discovery is a game-changer for understanding Earth's history. Multiple giant asteroid impacts around the same time could have had a cumulative effect on the planet's climate and ecosystems — potentially explaining the severity of the mass extinction event. The detailed imaging of the Nadir crater provides valuable insights into impact processes and their consequences.

While the Nadir crater is significant, it's unclear if it rivals the Chicxulub impact. Its effects could have been localized and it may or may not have contributed significantly to global climate change or mass extinction. When discussing the end-Cretaceous extinction, the focus should remain on the cataclysmic Chicxulub event.

While scientists appear to be understanding the dinosaurs' abrupt extinction, the species was likely on its way out — albeit at a slower rate — without the help of a celestial attack. At the time, the Earth was cooling and turning widespread tropical climates into less vegetative climates. Like most species throughout Earth's history, dinosaurs likely lost their food source.

Tobias Roetsch/Contributer/All About Space Magazine/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Study: Second Asteroid Impact Identified Dating to Dinosaur Extinction Era

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Study: Second Asteroid Impact Identified Dating to Dinosaur Extinction Era

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