A new study has uncovered tiny zircon crystals in a meteorite originating from Vesta (a large asteroid between Mars and Jupiter), shedding light on the formation of planetesimals (small astronomical objects that form the basis of planets). To date, studying zircons in eucrites – meteorites formed by volcanic activity – has been difficult due to impact-induced fracturing and their small size; typically less than five microns. Most eucrites are formed within the asteroid belt that orbits between Mars and Jupiter, a heap of astronomical debris from the earliest epoch of the solar system. In a study published in the recent issue of „Science“, researchers collected samples from eucrites found in Antarctica believed to have originated from Vesta. The researchers used new technology to reveal that asteroid’s boiling rock turned solid and crystallized within less than 10 million years of solar system formation.

U of T researchers discover clues to early solar system