Retired NASA Mission Discovers Water on Asteroids, Offering Clues to Earth’s Origins
In a groundbreaking discovery, a retired NASA mission has revealed the presence of water on the surface of two asteroids. This finding could potentially unlock vital information about the origins of Earth and shed light on the distribution of water in the universe. The research, conducted by scientists from the Southwest Research Institute, utilized data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a joint project between NASA and the German Space Agency at DLR.
Previously, scientists had detected traces of hydrogen on these asteroids but were unable to differentiate between water and its close chemical relative, hydroxyl. However, by studying four silicate-rich asteroids, which contain silicon, oxygen, and other molecules, researchers were able to identify molecular water on two of them. These particular asteroids are known to form in proximity to the sun, making them crucial in understanding the distribution and evolution of materials in space.
“Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the solar nebula,” explains Anicia Arredondo, lead author of the paper published in the Planetary Science Journal and a scientist at the Southwest Research Institute. This discovery of water molecules on asteroids not only provides insights into the formation of our planet but also offers valuable information about water distribution in other solar systems, potentially guiding future searches for extraterrestrial life.
Interestingly, this recent finding aligns with a previous discovery of water on the moon’s surface. Researchers found enough water to fill a 12-ounce bottle, with hydrogen molecules trapped in a cubic meter of soil spread across the lunar surface. These molecules were chemically bound in minerals, similar to what has been observed on the asteroids. Arredondo suggests that the abundance of water found on the asteroids is consistent with that found on the moon, highlighting the possibility of water being bound to minerals or other materials.
Excitingly, this research into water on asteroids and other celestial bodies is far from over. Arredondo and her team plan to expand their investigations by studying an additional 30 targets. By doing so, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of water distribution within our solar system. To aid in this endeavor, the James Webb Space Telescope will be utilized to investigate some of these targets, providing scientists with unprecedented insights into the mysteries of our universe.
As we continue to unravel the secrets of space, these discoveries bring us one step closer to understanding our own origins and the potential for life beyond our planet. The presence of water on asteroids not only offers clues about Earth’s formation but also opens up new possibilities for exploring other solar systems. With each breakthrough, we inch closer to answering the age-old question: are we alone in the universe? Only time and further research will reveal the truth.