Research from Curtin University reveals that the geological evolution of Earth has been significantly influenced by galactic events. This study highlights how the structural changes of the Milky Way galaxy have impacted the formation of Earth’s crust, particularly through ancient crystals located deep beneath the surface.
The findings, published on September 19, 2025, in the journal Physical Review Research, were led by Christopher L. Kirkland, a Geology Professor at Curtin University, alongside Patrick James Sutton, a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Lincoln. Their research suggests a paradigm shift from the traditional understanding of Earth’s crust formation, which largely focused on internal geological processes.
The study posits that as Earth orbits the center of the Milky Way, it has been subjected to meteorite impacts that have directly shaped its geological features. This evidence challenges the prevailing theories that primarily attributed crust formation to processes occurring within the planet itself.
Galactic Events Influence Earth’s Geological Record
According to the researchers, the chemistry found in zircon crystals—one of the oldest minerals on Earth—holds a record of these extraterrestrial impacts. The analysis indicates that these impacts have left a distinct mark on the composition and structure of Earth’s crust, suggesting a connection between the planet’s geological history and the larger dynamics of the Milky Way.
Prof. Kirkland emphasized the implications of their findings, stating, “Their findings show that Earth’s geological evolution cannot be understood in isolation and suggest that astrophysical processes on a galactic scale have directly influenced geological history.”
The research opens new avenues for interdisciplinary studies that bridge geology and astronomy. Prof. Kirkland added, “It suggests that astrophysical processes on the scale of the Milky Way may have directly influenced the continents beneath our feet and the conditions that made life possible, ushering in a new era of astro-geological science.”
This groundbreaking work underscores the intricate relationship between cosmic events and Earth’s geological processes, providing fresh insights into how the universe shapes our planet.
As scientists continue to explore these connections, the potential for future research could lead to a deeper understanding of Earth’s history and its place within the cosmos.