Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
For decades, a distinctive circular feature adjacent to Gujarat's expansive Kutch salt desert has captivated observers, prompting recent investigations hinting at its origin as a potential meteorite impact site.
Conducting a thorough geochemical analysis, researchers from NASA’s Earth Observatory unveiled telltale signatures within the structure aligning with those typically associated with meteorite impacts.
Dubbed the Luna impact crater due to its close proximity to the Luna village, this geological anomaly spans approximately 1.8 kilometers in diameter, with its outer rim towering around 6 meters above the crater floor.
Utilizing radiocarbon dating techniques on plant remnants preserved within the site's silt, scientists estimate the meteorite impact event to have occurred roughly 6,900 years ago, providing a fascinating glimpse into Earth's ancient history.
Nestled within the Banni Plains grassland, the Luna crater often transforms into a water-filled basin. Exploration during a brief dry period in May 2022 uncovered an array of rare minerals and heightened concentrations of iridium, indicative of the extreme conditions accompanying a meteorite collision.
Through meticulous sampling of rocks and sediments, researchers unearthed minerals seldom encountered in terrestrial environments, shedding light on the cataclysmic forces at play during the impact event.
Impact craters on Earth are a scarce phenomenon, with the Earth Impact Database cataloging fewer than 200 confirmed structures globally, underscoring the significance of the Luna crater's discovery in Gujarat.