International researchers have uncovered the reason behind the scarcity of carbon-rich meteorites on Earth, revealing that solar and atmospheric heat destroys much of this material before it can land.

Dr. Devillepoix explained that many carbonaceous meteoroids disintegrate due to heating as they approach the Sun, and those that manage to survive are more likely to endure atmospheric entry.

The findings provide new insights into meteoroid behavior and their interaction with solar radiation, which could reshape our understanding of meteorite collections.

Dr. Patrick Shober from the Paris Observatory emphasized that these findings may alter scientists' perspectives on the origins of life on Earth.

The implications of this research may extend to future asteroid missions, impact hazard assessments, and theories regarding the delivery of water and organic compounds to Earth.

Dr. Shober also noted that the limited number of carbon-rich meteorites in collections poses a risk of an incomplete understanding of space materials.

Additionally, the research highlights that meteoroids generated by tidal disruptions are especially fragile and rarely survive atmospheric entry.

The study involved collaboration from various institutions, including the Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy and the National Museum of National History, supported by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research.

Despite carbonaceous asteroids constituting about 75% of all asteroids, only around 5% of meteorites found on Earth match their composition.

Carbon-rich meteorites are particularly significant as they contain essential ingredients for life, including water and organic molecules, making their study crucial.

This groundbreaking study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, analyzed nearly 8,500 meteoroids and meteorite impacts using data from 19 fireball observation networks across 39 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive studies in this field.