Report about the proposed Deniliquin asteroid impact structure are again being widely shared across social media and science forums three years after it first made international headlines.
The renewed interest comes despite there being no publicly announced progress on the next critical stage of research, which would involve deep drilling or major seismic testing to confirm the theory.
The Deniliquin structure, first identified by geologist Tony Yeates, is believed to lie buried beneath the Riverina, with its centre estimated to be about 32km north-west of Deniliquin near the Pretty Pine and Stevens Weir district.
If ultimately proven to be an asteroid impact structure, it would dwarf every other known impact site on Earth.
Researchers estimate the multi-ring structure spans about 520km in diameter, making it substantially larger than South Africa's Vredefort structure, currently recognised as the world's largest confirmed impact crater, and far larger than Mexico's Chicxulub crater linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The theory first gained widespread attention in 2023 through research by Mr Yeates and geologist and climate scientist Dr Andrew Glikson, who analysed updated geophysical data collected between 2015 and 2020.
Their findings suggested the presence of a vast circular formation hidden deep beneath the Murray and Riverina regions, including a dome-shaped feature at its centre and distinctive magnetic patterns often associated with major impact events.
For Deniliquin residents, the theory remains a fascinating local connection to what could be one of the most significant geological discoveries ever made.
Mr Yeates, who visited Deniliquin in 2023 as a guest of Edward River Council and U3A, said the discovery was made while reviewing geological data from the Darling Basin more than two decades ago.
What first appeared as unusual magnetic signatures beneath the landscape eventually led him to conclude the area may contain the remnants of a colossal asteroid strike.
While geophysical evidence has continued to strengthen the case, researchers acknowledge definitive proof remains elusive.
Dr Glikson has previously stated physical evidence of shock deformation, the hallmark of an impact event, can only be obtained through drilling deep into the structure.
Until that occurs, the Deniliquin structure remains one of Australia's most intriguing geological mysteries.
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