A new study has identified the type of asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Scientists say it was a rare kind called a CO chondrite, originating from a distant part of the solar system. This type of asteroid is uncommon on Earth, making up less than 1% of known meteorites. The finding challenges previous theories about what caused the mass extinction. Earlier research suggested that sulfur released from the asteroid's impact with Earth was the main factor. But the new analysis points to a different mechanism: vast amounts of dust and debris thrown into the atmosphere by the collision. These particles would have blocked sunlight for years, causing a global winter that killed off most life. The study's authors used chemical analysis of rocks from the impact site in Mexico, known as the Chicxulub crater. They compared these with samples from other ancient impacts and found a unique signature matching CO chondrites. This suggests the asteroid came from a region beyond Jupiter. The results help explain why the extinction event was so severe. While the dinosaurs died out, some small mammals survived, eventually leading to the rise of humans. The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal and adds to our understanding of Earth's history.