Scientists have confirmed the North Pole Dome crater in East Pilbara, Western Australia, as the world’s oldest known asteroid crater, dating back 3 billion years. The discovery was made using advanced dating techniques that removed previous uncertainty. However, some scientists dispute the findings, citing inaccuracies in the study.
In this ancient crater, researchers found unusual skeletal grains in zircon minerals, which helped determine the age of the impact event. They also analyzed another mineral, apatite, to confirm their results. The independent date matched the original finding.
This discovery is significant as it pushes back the previous record holder by 750 million years. While some experts disagree with the findings, others find it “mind-boggling” and a testament to the complexity of the region’s geological history.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-24/worlds-oldest-asteroid-crater-pilbara-confirmed/106818546