Research team says extraterrestrial impact to blame for Ice Age extinctions

User rating: 4.7 / 5 after 44 vote(s)

A colorized scanning electron microscope image of a glassy carbon sphere that contains evidence of extraterrestrial impact. The sphere measures about .012 inches in width. Credit: SEM imaging by Jim Wittke
A colorized scanning electron microscope image of a glassy carbon sphere that contains evidence of extraterrestrial impact. The sphere measures about .012 inches in width. Credit: SEM imaging by Jim Wittke

What caused the extinction of mammoths and the decline of Stone Age people about 13,000 years ago remains hotly debated. Overhunting by Paleoindians, climate change and disease lead the list of probable causes. But an idea once considered a little out there is now hitting closer to home.


Full story »
All News summaries from Space & Earth science news
All News summaries for September 24, 2007

NOAA chief urges creating National Climate Service

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- With concerns about global warming rising along with the planet's temperature, the head of the federal agency in change of weather research and forecasting is proposing creation of a new National Climate Service.

CU-Boulder team to build $34 million instrument package for environmental satellite

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
A $34 million solar instrument package to be built by the University of Colorado at Boulder, considered a crucial tool to help monitor global climate change, has been restored to a U.S. government satellite ...

New Analysis Shows Important Slowdown in Lake Tahoe Clarity Loss

4 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
For the first time since researchers began continuously measuring Lake Tahoe's famed water clarity 40 years ago, UC Davis scientists reported today that the historical rate of decline in the lake's clarity has slowed considerably ...

NASA Phoenix Mission Ready For Mars Landing

5 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander is preparing to end its long journey and begin a three-month mission to taste and sniff fistfuls of Martian soil and buried ice. The lander is scheduled to touch down on the Red ...

Satellite communications by laser

7 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
Satellites currently use radio waves to exchange data. Now the data rate has been increased a hundredfold by using lasers instead of radio signals. Two test satellites each carried a diode laser pump module developed with ...
Goto Archive PhysOrg Forum Goto Archive Video Goto Archive Editorials Goto Archive Free Magazines Goto Archive Newsletter

News Archive