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14 Million Years Ago: Solar System's Journey Shaped Earth’s Climate

3/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Around 14 million years ago, our solar system may have traversed the Radcliffe Wave, a vibrant star-forming region in Orion. This cosmic journey likely intensified interstellar dust, triggering a significant climate shift on Earth from warmth to cooler conditions during the Middle Miocene, leaving its mark on geological records. More research is on the horizon.

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Story summary

Around 14 million years ago, our solar system may have traversed the Radcliffe Wave, a vibrant star-forming region in Orion. This cosmic journey likely intensified interstellar dust, triggering a significant climate shift on Earth from warmth to cooler conditions during the Middle Miocene, leaving its mark on geological records. More research is on the horizon.