Studies narrow when early Earth could have supported life's origin
The gist
Researchers modeling the Hadean eon say conditions for life emerged after 4.4 billion years ago.
The work targets the gap before LUCA, life's shared ancestor, when no fossils exist.
How it unfolded
- 4.6 billion years agoThe Hadean eon begins with Earth's formation.
- 4.51 billion years agoThe giant impact that likely formed the Moon melts and sterilizes the crust.
- 4.4 billion years agoEarth is not yet suitable for sustained biochemistry, according to modeling by Oleg Abramov's team.