SPACE — Scientists at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will use an infrared telescope to observe the asteroid Psyche. This will provide context for NASA’s Psyche as it approaches the metallic asteroid.
Quoted from Phys.org, Stephanie Jarmak used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to search for watermarks on Psyche’s metallic surface. Meanwhile, Dr Anicia Arredondo used the latest data collected by the Stratospheric Observatory for Independent Astronomy (SOFIA) to study differences in Psyche’s composition at various points on its surface.
At about 140 miles (225 km) in diameter, Psyche is one of the most massive objects in the main asteroid belt orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. Previous observations suggest Psyche is a solid object made mostly of metal. Allegedly, it is the remains of a failed planet’s core.
On October 5, NASA is scheduled to launch the Psyche spacecraft to visit the metal. It will travel a distance of 2.2 billion miles to arrive at the asteroid in August 2029.
Also read: Get to know Psyche, a metal asteroid with potential wealth of up to 10 quadrillion US dollars
“By using telescopes at different wavelengths of infrared light, the SwRI-led research will provide information that is different but complementary to what the Psyche spacecraft will study,” said Dr Tracy Becker, research group leader in SwRI’s Space Science Division .
Psyche remains mysterious because previous observations contradict each other. For example, regarding the variability of its surface composition in near infrared wavelengths and signs of hydration on its surface.
“JWST observations are designed to determine whether there is water in Psyche. Observations in the 3 and 6 micron wavelength ranges tell us whether hydration is present in the form of hydroxyl or actual water. And if we don’t find it, it’s not surprising, considering that Psyche is a metallic world,” Jarmak said.
Psyche is a particularly interesting target because Earth is thought to have a similar metallic core. However, the Earth’s core is buried deep beneath the mantle and crust so it cannot be studied directly.
“We used SOFIA to scan the asteroid in the infrared as it rotated, to better understand whether Psyche could be the remnant core of an asteroid or a differentiated protoplanet,” Arredondo said.
If it is true that Psyche is the planet’s core, then only a double collision could remove all of its outer layers, leaving only a metallic core. But these collisions can also cause variability.
Also read: NASA will launch to metal asteroids, looking for answers to the mysteries of the Earth’s core
Metallic asteroids are relatively rare in the solar system, and scientists believe Psyche could offer a unique opportunity to look into the interior of a planet. However, Psyche is so unusual that it could surprise scientists. It can show different stories about how solar system objects formed.
“All observations using different techniques continue to show us results that don’t make sense in each other’s context. That’s why it’s so important to have a mission to get there now,” Arredondo said. Source: Phys.org
2023-10-03 17:48:00
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