The Impact of Planetary Bombardment
During Earth’s turbulent early history, asteroid and comet impacts played a dual role in the emergence of life. On one hand, these massive collisions could have sterilized the planet’s surface, periodically wiping out nascent life. On the other hand, they may have delivered vital organic molecules and water, enriching the planet’s chemistry. This cycle of destruction and delivery likely influenced both the timing and the environmental conditions in which life first took hold.