The asteroid that may have killed the dinosaurs came from beyond Jupiter

The asteroid that is widely believed to have contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs is thought to have originated from the outer regions of the solar system, particularly beyond the orbit of Jupiter. This significant celestial body, known as the Chicxulub impactor, is a carbonaceous asteroid that journeyed across vast distances before striking the Earth approximately 66 million years ago. The impact event, which occurred in what is now the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, unleashed immense energy, leading to catastrophic environmental changes. These changes are believed to have triggered a mass extinction event, resulting in the demise of nearly 75% of Earth's species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. This connection between the impactful asteroid and the dramatic shifts in the planet’s ecosystems underlines the intricate interplay of celestial phenomena and life on Earth.