Split over five episodes, the prof talked us through the formation and evolution of the eight distinct worlds and the lasting effects each has had on our solar system. But it was one episode in particular that captured my imagination – The Godfather: Jupiter.
66 million years ago an asteroid the size of Manhattan crash-landed into the Gulf of Mexico. This single catastrophic event was the catalyst for Earth’s sixth mass extinction, spelling out the end of the dinosaurs’ unchallenged 180-million-year reign. But what caused this huge chunk of space rock to hurtle towards Earth?
Gravity Nudges
According to Professor Cox, the asteroid likely came from a resonance spot in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This is an area where gravity nudges from Jupiter can fling asteroids out of the belt and towards the inner solar system, sometimes on a collision course with Earth.
When the asteroid hit, 300 billion tonnes of sulphur billowed into Earth’s atmosphere, causing a nuclear winter that wiped out 75% of species. In one fell swoop, Jupiter changed the course of our planet’s history.
So, we owe a great debt of thanks to the Godfather. Because were it not for Jupiter, the dinosaurs might still be roaming the Earth. Which means mammals would have never had a chance to evolve. And you and I would certainly not be here today.
Watch the episode on BBC iPlayer.
Further Reading
Did every single dinosaur die, or do some still lurk in certain isolated areas? The next issue of Fortean Times magazine will shine a light on the Congo's Mokele-mbembe, Canada's Ogopogo and, most famously, Scotland's Nessie. Could one of these creatures have escaped the fate of its prehistoric cousins? Pre-order your copy now to find out!
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