×îÐÂÂ鶹ÊÓƵ

Space

How meteorites are rewriting the history of the solar system

There are many theories about how dynamics in the early solar system led to the cosmic neighbourhood we now inhabit, but beyond computer simulations, direct evidence to support them is hard to come by – that's where meteorites come in

By Joshua Howgego

10 February 2025

What can extraterrestrial stones reveal?

Shutterstock/Swill Klitch

The following is an extract from our monthly Launchpad newsletter, which explores the solar system and beyond. You can sign up for Launchpad for free here.

There is no better place to start explaining what so fascinates me about meteorites than Winston Churchill’s fish pond. Churchill lived for many years at a grand old house called Chartwell, which happens to be close to my home. The property and its elegant grounds are now open to the public, so I often take my children there for a run around, and we always…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with ×îÐÂÂ鶹ÊÓƵ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop