Asteroid impact over 3 billion years ago may have boosted early life on Earth

New research reveals that the S2 asteroid impact, which occurred over 3 billion years ago, not only boiled Earth's oceans but also helped early life thrive. This finding contrasts with the previous belief that such impacts were solely destructive. Scientists studied ancient rock layers in South Africa, discovering significant changes in composition after the impact. Increased iron and iron-rich minerals suggest that microbial life, particularly iron-cycling microbes, flourished despite the harsh conditions. The study highlights that while many primitive organisms perished, the nutrient influx from the impact likely facilitated rapid recovery and growth of certain microbes. This research provides new insights into the complex effects of ancient asteroid impacts on early life.