Did Earth Once Have Rings Like Saturn? New Scientific Evidence Suggests So

New research proposes that Earth may have once had rings similar to Saturn's. Evidence from 466 million years ago, including meteorite impacts and debris, suggests a massive asteroid disintegration formed a ring around Earth. This ring might have caused global cooling leading to the Hirnantian Ice Age.

New research suggests that Earth may once have had a ring system akin to Saturn's. In a paper published in Earth & Planetary Science Letters, scientists present evidence indicating that around 466 million years ago, debris from a massive asteroid formed a ring around our planet.

This ring is theorized to have caused several geological phenomena, including numerous meteorite impacts and a series of tsunamis. The debris in sedimentary rocks from that period suggests rapid space exposure, supporting the ring theory. Additionally, impact craters from this time predominantly formed near the equator.

The potential ring might have also contributed to significant global cooling, paving the way for the Hirnantian Ice Age. Future studies aim to model asteroid breakup and ring formation to further understand its impact on Earth's climate.

(With inputs from agencies.)