"Ancient Crystals Unveil Earth's First Rains 4 Billion Years Ago"
New research reveals that Earth's first rains fell around 4 billion years ago, 500 million years earlier than previously believed. Scientists from Australia and China analyzed oxygen isotopes in ancient zircon crystals from the Jack Hills in Western Australia, finding evidence of fresh water that challenges the theory of a completely ocean-covered early Earth. This discovery suggests that landmasses and fresh water existed much earlier, potentially setting the stage for life to emerge sooner than thought. The findings support the "cool early Earth" theory and have significant implications for understanding Earth's early history and the origins of life.