Uncovering the impact of a massive meteor strike in Gujarat

The Luna facility in Kutch in Gujarat is probably caused by a meteor that would have impacted the Indus Valley Civilisation.

A recent study suggests that a crater in Gujarat may have been caused by the largest meteorite to hit the Earth in the last 50,000 years. 

This finding sheds light on a catastrophic event that could have occurred thousands of years ago, affecting the area where people from the ancient Indus Valley civilization lived.

Devastating Impact

The impact of the meteorite would have unleashed a series of catastrophic events, including a massive fireball, shockwaves, and wildfires that spread across the region. 

According to Gordon Osinski from Western University in Canada, the impact would have been akin to a nuclear bomb explosion, albeit without the radioactive fallout.

The Luna Structure

The crater, known as the Luna Structure, measures 1.8 kilometers wide and has long been recognized by locals in Gujarat. 

Geochemical analysis conducted at the site revealed a high concentration of iridium in the soil, indicating the likelihood of an iron meteorite impact. Further analysis uncovered other meteorite-related characteristics, such as wüstite, kirschsteinite, hercynite, and ulvöspinel.

Scientific Debate

While the geochemical analysis aligns with the possibility of a meteorite impact, some scientists remain skeptical. They argue that conclusive evidence, such as super-heated rocks melted by the impact’s energy, is needed to confirm that the Luna structure is indeed a meteor crater.

Potential Consequences

If the Luna Structure was indeed formed by a meteorite impact, its effects would have been widespread. Shockwaves would have reached up to five kilometers away, while wildfires ignited by the impact could have spread even further. 

Additionally, the dust ejected into the atmosphere would have dimmed the Sun for several days, affecting the climate in the region.

Dating the Impact

The researchers estimated that the meteorite struck approximately 4,050 years ago, providing insights into the timing of this significant event in Earth’s history.

Overall, the study highlights the potential impact of meteorite strikes on Earth’s ecosystems and civilizations, underscoring the importance of understanding such phenomena for both historical and scientific purposes.