Scientists make discovery that upends Earth origin story

Key Points:

• A new study from ETH Zurich reveals that Earth's building material came almost entirely from the inner Solar System, challenging the previous theory that Earth's composition included significant material from beyond Jupiter.
• Researchers analyzed 10 different isotope systems in meteorites and found Earth's isotopic signature matches non-carbonaceous meteorites from the inner Solar System, with little to no contribution from outer Solar System material.
• Jupiter's gravitational influence likely acted as a barrier, preventing much outer Solar System material from mixing with the inner Solar System and shaping the formation of Earth and similar bodies like Mars and the asteroid Vesta.
• The study raises new questions about the origin of Earth's water, as the inner Solar System was too hot for water-rich material to survive, prompting further investigation into how Earth acquired its oceans and atmosphere.
• While Earth's composition resembles Mars and Vesta, the lack of rock samples from Mercury and Venus means their formation origins remain speculative.