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Uncovering the Age of Earth’s Water: Scientists Say ‘It is Even Older Than the Sun’

Team StoryWeavers|March 30, 2023, 10:57 IST|

age of Earth's water

Have you ever wondered what is the age of Earth’s water? Well, scientists have recently made a fascinating discovery about our planet’s water. According to them, all the water on Earth is older than the sun and it originates from deep space.1

Yes, you read that right. The water that we use for drinking, bathing, swimming and more is older than the star that gives us light and warmth. This discovery has stunned many scientists and opened up a new understanding of the origins of water on our planet.

But how did scientists come to this conclusion? Let’s delve deeper into this exciting new discovery.

How old is Earth’s water?

For many years, scientists have been trying to understand how water came to be on Earth and what is the age of Earth’s water. Some theories suggest that it was brought here by comets and asteroids that collided with our planet during its early days. Others believe that it was created when hydrogen and oxygen gases combined on the Earth’s surface.1

But recently, scientists have discovered a missing link that connects water on Earth to its origin in space. They have found that water molecules can form in space on the surface of dust grains. These dust grains are created when stars explode and their materials are scattered across space.2

So, how does this relate to Earth’s water being older than the sun? Well, scientists have determined that the dust grains that formed our solar system were present before the sun itself was formed. Therefore, the water that formed on these dust grains before the formation of the sun is older than the star itself.2

This groundbreaking discovery has many implications for our understanding of how water came to be on Earth. It also has implications for the search for life on other planets, as water is a crucial element for life as we know it.

Earth’s water is older than you can imagine!

But what does this mean for us on Earth? Well, it means that the water we use for our daily lives is much older than we ever imagined. It has been around for billions of years and has been through many different stages before reaching our taps.

It also means that we should value and protect our planet’s water resources, as they are a precious and finite resource. By conserving water and reducing our impact on the environment, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the same access to clean water that we have today.

In conclusion, the discovery that Earth’s water is older than the sun is a remarkable new insight into the origins of water on our planet. It reminds us of the incredible history and complexity of the universe, and the interconnectedness of all things. As we continue to explore space and learn more about our world and beyond, we can look back on this discovery with awe and wonder.

Reference:

  • Jamie Carter, Forbes. News report published on 8 March, 2023- All The Water On Earth Is Older Than Our Sun, Say Scientists. Retrieved on 29 March, 2023 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2023/03/08/all-water-on-earth-is-older-than-our-sun-say-scientists/?sh=11941d1d1060
  • Mark Kaufman, Mashable India. News report published on 11 March, 2023- Earth’s Water Came From Super Deep Space, And It’s Older Than You Can Imagine. Retrieved on 29 March, 2023 from https://in.mashable.com/space/48728/earths-water-came-from-super-deep-space-and-its-older-than-you-can-imagine

 

Enjoyed reading this? Check out more such stories on the BYJU’s blog:

Where did Earth’s water come from?

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About the Author


Writing has always been Shreesha’s passion, be it for imparting knowledge or expressing opinions. In her former role as a journalist, she contributed to enriching society with knowledge. Now, at BYJU’S, she has moved on to something more exciting – creating tailor-made content for students. When she is not writing, you would find her looking for new ways to engage her child.

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