British scientists to lead hunt for fragments of ‘dead planets’ hidden in Antarctica

BRITISH scientists are planning to lead an expedition to Antarctica in search of ancient space rocks which rained down on Earth millions of years ago.

This meteorites have been memorably described as "fragments of dead planets"; and are bits of small worlds which were destroyed way back in the mists of time.

It is hoped that finding the remains of these ancient proto-planets will allow us to understand conditions in the early years of our Solar System.

Mathematician Dr Geoffrey Evatt will lead the expedition, which will set off in 2020.

He believes Antarctica could be hiding vast numbers of "missing iron meteorites".

He said: “We now have the opportunity to commence on a truly exciting scientific adventure. If successful, our expeditions will help scientists to decode the origins of the Solar System and cement the UK as a leader in meteoritics and planetary science.”

Professor David Vaughan OBE, director of science at the British Antarctic Survey, added: “We are delighted to be supporting this research project to hunt for the lost meteorites of Antarctica.

"The continent constantly reveals so many secrets about our Earth such as our past climate from ice and sediment cores so it’s great to work with UK researchers to help them solve another puzzle about Earth’s, and our Solar System’s, formation.”