The evidence of a comet impact is evident at this archaeological site in Arizona, U.S.Could a comet impact on Earth's distant history have changed the course of human civilization forever?Scientists believe that 13,000 years ago, a cluster of comet fragments may have struck Earth's surface. This was the most devastating impact since the Chicxulub events which killed Earth's large dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. Martin Sweatman, an Edinburgh scientist, has conducted a new study to determine the extent of the impact on Earth's surface and the possible implications for the history of human civilizations.The researchers discovered that the comet impact coincided with major changes in the organization of human societies.Similar: 4,000-Year Old Stone Monolith Likely an astronomical MarkerResearchers investigated the possibility that a comet hit Earth around 13,000 years ago by analysing geological data from the regions where it might have struck, North America and Greenland. The researchers found high levels platinum and evidence of high temperatures which could have melted materials at site. They also discovered nanodiamonds. Scientists know that comets can contain both explosions and diamonds.This research builds upon previous research which suggests that an important impact could have preceded beginning of the Neolithic Period, the first part in the Stone Age that saw major advances in human civilization, including notable improvements in agriculture and architecture.Humans in the "Fertile Crom," which included countries such as Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon, began to move away from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles towards more permanent settlements."This huge cosmic catastrophe seems to have been commemorated on the giant stone columns of Gbekli Tepe [in Turkey], possibly 'World's oldest temple', which are linked with the origins of civilization in the Fertile Crescent region of southwest Asia. Is civilization therefore born with a bang? Sweatman stated in a statementThe team recognizes that the new study is interesting and suggestsive but more evidence and research are needed to better understand the impact on global climate and human civilizations.This work was published in Earth-Science Reviews May 19, 2009.Chelsea Gohd can be reached at cgohd@space.com. Follow her on Twitter @chelsea_gohd. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @Spacedotcom
