Ancient Australian Crater Confirmed as Earth's Oldest Impact Site

WHO:

Space.com - The site is identified as an ancient impact crater.

Phys.org - The study confirms the age of the crater.

WHAT:

Space.com - The crater is confirmed to be the oldest known asteroid impact site on Earth.

Phys.org - The crater is more than 3 billion years old.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The crater is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The rocks beneath the crater are close to 3.5 billion years old.

WHY:

Space.com - The exact age of the site had previously been uncertain.

HOW:

Phys.org - The rocks are described as dark, weathered volcanic rocks, cut by veins and shaped by deep time.

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 11:54 UTC)

Scientists have confirmed that an ancient impact crater in the Pilbara region of Western Australia is the oldest known asteroid impact site on Earth, dating back more than 3 billion years. The rocks beneath this crater are nearly 3.5 billion years old and are characterized as dark, weathered volcanic rocks that have been shaped by deep time. This study clarifies the previously uncertain age of the site, providing valuable insights into Earth's geological history.