This research significantly enhances our understanding of planet formation across the Universe, altering the narrative of how water may form on terrestrial planets.

The research suggests that iron sulfide compounds in the meteorite acted as catalysts, producing hydrogen-sulfur compounds that could effectively store hydrogen.

Recent research published in the journal Icarus reveals that most hydrogen found in a meteorite is intrinsic, suggesting that early Earth may have had sufficient hydrogen to form water molecules naturally.

This discovery raises important questions about Earth's habitability, indicating that its formation may have provided conditions for water similar to those on other planets like Mars.

However, the findings do not necessarily imply that life on Earth evolved earlier, as habitability could depend more on evolutionary processes than on the initial material composition.

The study also addresses ongoing debates regarding whether the hydrogen present in meteorites was original or resulted from contamination during impacts with a hydrogen-rich Earth.

Despite these findings, some scientists continue to argue that similar meteorites suggest water was delivered to Earth from extraterrestrial sources rather than being formed from native materials.

Alternative theories regarding the origins of Earth's water include volcanic activity and the outgassing of water molecules as the planet cooled after its formation.

The detection of hydrogen was achieved using X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy, a complex technique that requires a particle accelerator to measure low concentrations.

Co-author Associate Professor James Bryson acknowledged the potential for terrestrial contamination but estimated that about 15% of the detected hydrogen could be attributed to Earth's water, with most likely originating from the meteorite.

Experts view this study as a major advancement in understanding the origins of water, with implications for the early solar system and the conditions necessary for life.

Moving forward, Barrett plans to analyze additional meteorites to ascertain how much hydrogen was originally present on Earth versus what was delivered by external sources like asteroids and comets.