Scientists discovered a 4.4-billion-year-old zircon crystal in Western Australia, the oldest known piece of Earth's crust. This tiny crystal, formed just 160 million years after the Solar System's birth, suggests Earth's surface solidified and potentially supported water and life far earlier than previously believed. The find challenges the 'hellish' early Earth theory, indicating a faster cooling and stabilization period. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the emergence of life on Earth and the potential habitability of other planets.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.