Refuting the sensational claim of a Hopewell-ending cosmic airburst

Nolan, Kevin; Weiland, Andrew J.; Lepper, Bradley T.; Aultman, Jennifer; Murphy, Laura R.; Ruby, Bret J.; Schwarz, Kevin; Davidson, Matthew J.; Wymer, Dee Anne; Everhart, Timothy D.; Krus, Anthony M.; McCoy, T. J.

doi:10.1038/s41598-023-39866-0

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…In other words, they could be statistically synchronous within the limits of radiocarbon dating and Bayesian analysis (Figure 17, Table S11). This finding is contrary to the claims by Nolan et al [23] who claim a chi-squared test failed to support a single event.…”

Section: Bayesian Tests Of Potential Synchronicitycontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…EDS also identified phosphorus and aluminum, previously documented in pallasites [39]. Unlike the EDS analysis of a cut, polished, and acid-etched macroscopic pallasite described and illustrated by Nolan et al [23], the microscopic (OH), which occur in the soils of the Turner site [37]. Clay minerals have a high adhesive strength, and microscopic particles remain after washing with water.…”

Section: Meteoritic Materialsmentioning

confidence: 74%

“…This objective is based on previous studies identifying a distinctive Hopewell burn layer containing micrometeorites. We also explore criticisms of this hypothesis as presented by Nolan et al [23].…”

Section: Objectivementioning

confidence: 89%

“…Nolan et al [23] argue that an impact event on a Native American village is statistically improbable and, therefore, questionable. However, 'improbable' does not mean 'impossible.'…”

Section: Cosmic Impact As Possible Causationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Hopewell Cosmic Airburst Event: A review of the empirical evidence

Tankersley,

Meyers,

Meyers

2024

Airbursts and Cratering Impacts

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Abundance peaks in microscopic materials, including meltglass, microspherules, Ni, Ir, and Pt have been found in Native American Hopewell-age cultural strata. This discovery includes micrometeorites (possibly pallasites) recovered from heavily burned strata in two Hopewell villages. This evidence suggests that a prehistoric cosmic airburst/impact event occurred in the Ohio River valley. The peaks in these exotic materials only occur within a dark, charcoal-rich burn layer containing a wide range of Hopewell artifacts, and they are not found above or below the layer. Transgenerational oral histories and possibly two unique airburst-shaped Hopewell earthworks at or near the epicenter suggest that Native Americans living in the Ohio River valley may have been eyewitnesses to the impact event. AMS radiocarbon ages (n = 15) obtained directly from cultural and geological contexts indicate that the airburst/impact event occurred within a 70-year window from 1640-1570 cal BP. The Hopewell culture existed from ~2100-1500 cal BP and suffered a severe decline beginning ~1650 cal BP, suggesting that the proposed impact event occurred near the end of that span. After the proposed event, the hallmarks of the Hopewell culture, such as monumental landscape architecture, the largest geometric earthen enclosures in the world, intricate hilltop water management systems, massive burial mounds, and extensive ceremonial centers, were no longer constructed in the area impacted by the airburst. We propose that this cosmic airburst/impact event catalyzed the economic and sociopolitical decline and reorganization of the Hopewell cultural complex in the Ohio River valley for villages directly affected by the proposed airburst.

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Section: Bayesian Tests Of Potential Synchronicitycontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Meteoritic Materialsmentioning

confidence: 74%

Section: Objectivementioning

confidence: 89%

“…Nolan et al [23] argue that an impact event on a Native American village is statistically improbable and, therefore, questionable. However, 'improbable' does not mean 'impossible.'…”

Section: Cosmic Impact As Possible Causationmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The Hopewell Cosmic Airburst Event: A review of the empirical evidence

Tankersley,

Meyers,

Meyers

2024

Airbursts and Cratering Impacts

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Following publication of this Article concerns have been raised by Nolan et al 1 about errors in methodology, analyses, and interpretation of the data in the Article, indicating that the study does not provide data to support the claims of an airburst event or that such an event led to the decline of the Hopewell culture. Given these concerns, the Editors no longer have confidence that the conclusions presented are adequately supported.…”

mentioning

confidence: 98%