The enigm surrounding the extinction of dinosaurs, the colossal inhabitants of Earth in the past, has been a source of puzzlement for the scientific community for a considerable time. Numerous studies and debates have ensued, with the prevailing theory attributing their demise to a colossal meteorite impact near the Yucatan region's coast in Mexico 66 million years ago. Yet, questions persisted.

Last week, scientific journals and media science pages buzzed with a groundbreaking study. The research, led by PhD student Cem Cenk Şenel and conducted by academics from the Royal Observatory of Belgium, including Turkish scholars Orkun Temel and Özgür Karatekin, posited that the asteroid impact led to a massive dust cloud shrouding the planet. That prevented sunlight from reaching Earth for 15 years, causing herbivorous dinosaurs' food source to vanish, ultimately leading to their extinction.

In an extensive interview with the lead author Cenk Şenel, featured as the cover story in the current issue of Herkese Bilim Teknoloji magazine, Şenel described the meteorite as 15 kilometers in diameter, weighing 11 times more than Everest, with an impact equivalent to millions of atomic bombs.

"The interruption in photosynthesis was global in scale. Our palaeoclimate simulations show that photosynthesis stopped for about 620 days in all ocean and land areas. The prolonged disruption posed serious challenges for the food chain, causing mass extinctions over a two-year period in land and marine habitats," Şenel explained.

The researchers' climate model indicates that the silicate dust cloud, containing soot and sulfur, could have lingered in the atmosphere for up to 15 years, resulting in a global temperature drop of up to 15°C.

The study, detailed in a renowned journal, explores an event with a one-in-a-million probability but underscores the catastrophic impact when it occurs.

Life on Earth, as evidenced by this ancient event, is delicate. Ironically, without the need for a meteorite, our present actions in altering the climate present a danger to existence.

Celal Şengör and Reverence for Ancestors

Months ago, Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör earned membership in the Accademia dei Lincei, one of the world's oldest and most esteemed science academies. During his acceptance speech, Şengör, recognizing the anniversary of Atatürk's death, requested a minute of silence. In a video captured by Şengör's son, Dr. Asım Şengör, members of the Academy initially seemed puzzled, then rose one by one to join in a moment of silence.

Established in Italy in 1603 by scientist Federico Cesi, the Academy revolved around the intellectual contributions of Galileo Galilei. After Cesi's death in 1630, the academy lay dormant for years. In the 19th century, it evolved into Italy's national academy, spanning literature and science. Cesi, an aristocratic ruler, was an avid botanical enthusiast.

The intersection of groundbreaking paleontological research and academic recognition showcases the intricate tapestry of scientific inquiry and the continued relevance of historical traditions in the modern scientific landscape.