NASA’s Analysis of Bennu Asteroid Fragments Suggests Origin from Ancient Ocean World
NASA scientists are embarking on an exciting journey of analyzing fragments brought back from the Bennu asteroid, and the initial findings indicate that the material it contains originated from an ancient ocean world. This groundbreaking assumption is based on the discovery of a phosphate crust on the asteroid, a calcium and magnesium-rich mineral that has never been observed before on meteorites that make their way to Earth.
What makes this finding even more intriguing is the striking resemblance between the mineral’s chemistry and the vapor shooting from beneath the icy crust of Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons. Phosphate, a crucial building block of life, adds weight to the hypothesis that asteroids played a significant role in sparking life on Earth. As these celestial bodies crashed into our planet during its turbulent early history, they left behind materials that potentially kick-started the development of life.
Scientists believe that Bennu was once part of a world similar to Enceladus but about half its size. However, as the Solar System took shape, this world was destroyed by a collision with another object, giving rise to thousands of asteroids like Bennu.
The opportunity to study samples from an asteroid is incredibly rare, making these investigations a source of immense excitement for scientists. The OSIRIS-REx mission marks only the third time in history that we have been able to retrieve bits of an asteroid and bring them back to Earth. The round trip for Bennu took a total of seven years, covering an astonishing distance of 6.21 billion kilometers (3.86 billion miles). In September 2023, the sample capsule safely returned to Earth, paving the way for extensive analysis.
“We’re going to be busy for a long, long time,” said planetary scientist Dante Lauretta from the University of Arizona. “This is an enormous amount of sample for us.”
Teams from around the world are now meticulously examining the asteroid fragments. At the University of Arizona, researchers are sifting through thousands of particles, with the largest measuring 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) across. They are employing various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, to analyze the electromagnetic radiation patterns and gain a deeper understanding of the material they are studying.
The prevailing belief is that Bennu represents remnants from the formation of the Solar System approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Unraveling its origin will not only provide insights into the asteroid itself but also shed light on our own cosmic beginnings.
While this research is still in its early stages, scientists anticipate numerous discoveries and revelations in the future. The 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, set to take place in Texas, will showcase the findings made thus far, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of Bennu and its connection to our cosmic past.
