Debunking the theory of a comet-induced downfall for the Hopewell culture

Archaeologists have refuted the claim that a comet destroyed the ancient Indigenous Hopewell culture around 1,500 years ago. A study led by Dr. Kenneth Tankersley claimed evidence of a cosmic airburst at 11 Hopewell archaeological sites, but a review by Dr. Kevin C. Nolan and other experts found the evidence to be inadequate. They argue that the burned surfaces identified by Tankersley's team were either ceremonial burnings or not burned surfaces at all. The presence of meteorites and microspherules were likely brought to the sites by ancient Indigenous peoples for ceremonial purposes, and the available radiocarbon dates do not support the claim of a comet impact. The decline of the Hopewell culture was attributed to social and religious changes rather than a catastrophic event.