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Comet 12P's Water Matches Earth's, Suggests Cosmic Origins

8/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers discovered that water on comet 12P/Pons-Brooks has a chemical signature akin to Earth's oceans, suggesting comets may have delivered water to Earth.
The study, led by NASA's Martin Cordiner, analyzed the D/H ratio in the comet's water using ALMA and IRTF telescopes.
This marks the first detailed mapping of ordinary and heavy water in a comet, reinforcing the connection between cometary ice and Earth's water sources.

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Story summary

Researchers discovered that water on comet 12P/Pons-Brooks has a chemical signature akin to Earth's oceans, suggesting comets may have delivered water to Earth.
The study, led by NASA's Martin Cordiner, analyzed the D/H ratio in the comet's water using ALMA and IRTF telescopes.
This marks the first detailed mapping of ordinary and heavy water in a comet, reinforcing the connection between cometary ice and Earth's water sources.