Early analysis of the asteroid Bennu sample returned by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has unveiled surprising insights into the early solar system and the potential origins of life on Earth.
Osiris-ReX grabbing samples from asteroid Bennu.
This mineral, not detected by the spacecraft's remote sensing while at Bennu, suggests that the asteroid may have originated from a small, primitive ocean world.
The phosphate's purity and grain size are unprecedented in any meteorite sample, setting it apart from similar findings in other asteroid samples.
As scientists continue to analyze the Bennu sample, they expect to uncover more secrets about the origins of our solar system and potentially the emergence of life on Earth.
Early analysis of the asteroid Bennu sample returned by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has unveiled surprising insights into the early solar system and the potential origins of life on Earth.
The 121.6-gram sample, collected in 2020 and delivered to Earth in 2023, has proven to be a treasure trove of information for scientists.
The OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team found that Bennu's dust is rich in carbon, nitrogen, and organic compounds, all essential components for life as we know it. The sample is dominated by clay minerals, particularly serpentine, mirroring the type of rock found at mid-ocean ridges on Earth. Osiris-ReX grabbing samples from asteroid Bennu. (Photo: Nasa)
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Perhaps the most intriguing discovery is the presence of magnesium-sodium phosphate in the sample. This mineral, not detected by the spacecraft's remote sensing while at Bennu, suggests that the asteroid may have originated from a small, primitive ocean world.
The phosphate's purity and grain size are unprecedented in any meteorite sample, setting it apart from similar findings in other asteroid samples.
Dante Lauretta, principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx, stated, "The presence and state of phosphates, along with other elements and compounds on Bennu, suggest a watery past for the asteroid. Bennu potentially could have once been part of a wetter world."
The sample's composition closely resembles that of the Sun, indicating its primitive nature and offering a glimpse into the early days of our solar system, over 4.5 billion years ago. This unaltered material provides crucial insights into the formation of the solar system and the prebiotic chemistry that may have led to life on Earth.
Jason Dworkin, OSIRIS-REx project scientist, emphasised the mission's success, saying, "OSIRIS-REx gave us exactly what we hoped: a large pristine asteroid sample rich in nitrogen and carbon from a formerly wet world."
As scientists continue to analyze the Bennu sample, they expect to uncover more secrets about the origins of our solar system and potentially the emergence of life on Earth.
Published By: Sibu Kumar Tripathi Published On: Jul 3, 2024
