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SwRI-led research connects asteroid collision to impact showers 800 million years ago

A Southwest Research Institute-led study proposes a connection between an asteroid collision and an inner-solar-system-wide bombardment episode 800 million years ago. The research suggests that the catastrophic breakup of the Eulalia parent body may have led to widespread impacts on Earth, coinciding with biological and geological chan...

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2026

SwRI study discovers discrepancies in AI lunar crater catalogs

A new study found that AI-generated lunar crater catalogs often perform poorly when evaluated using human-defined scientific standards. The research highlights the need for standardizing benchmarks and transparent reporting to ensure the accuracy of AI-generated data.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2026
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Life forms can planet hop on asteroid debris – and survive

A Johns Hopkins University study finds that tiny life forms can survive extreme pressure comparable to an ejection from Mars after an asteroid hit, and may potentially move between planets. The discovery raises implications for planetary protection and space missions.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 3, 2026

Earth’s largest modern crater discovered in Southern China

A team of researchers from Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, has discovered the Jinlin crater, a 900-meter diameter impact structure preserved within a thick granite weathering crust. The discovery provides new insights into the scale of small extraterrestrial object impacts on Earth during the Holocene epoch.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalMatter and Radiation at Extremes·DateNov 12, 2025

Moon's biggest impact crater made a radioactive splash

A new study of the South Pole-Aitken basin reveals clues about the moon's interior structure, crust composition, and evolutionary history. The research suggests that the moon's near side was heated by radioactive elements from a magma ocean, leading to intense volcanism.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2025
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

World’s oldest impact crater found, rewriting Earth’s ancient history

Researchers from Curtin University and Geological Survey of Western Australia have discovered the world's oldest known impact crater, dating back to 3.5 billion years ago. The discovery was made in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and provides new insights into the origins of life on Earth.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Dwarf planet Ceres: Building blocks of life delivered from space

Researchers discovered organic molecules on Ceres' surface but found no evidence of volcanic or tectonic activity. The deposits are thought to have originated from impacts by outer asteroid belt bodies, which could have introduced building blocks of life.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalAGU Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2025

The Moon’s biggest and most ancient crater is more circular than previously thought

Researchers at University of Maryland have discovered that the South Pole-Aitken basin, the moon's oldest and largest visible crater, is more circular than previously believed. The team used high-resolution data to analyze mountain formations around the basin, revealing a rounder shape indicating a more vertical impact angle.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 28, 2024
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Five-mile asteroid impact crater below Atlantic captured in ‘exquisite’ detail by seismic data

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have captured high-resolution images of a five-mile asteroid impact crater buried deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. The data reveals minute-by-minute chaos after collision, including rocks flowing upwards to the crater floor and an 800-metre-plus high tsunami. The findings confirm the Nadir Crater w...

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateOct 3, 2024