Water Molecules Detected on Asteroids, Challenging Previous Assumptions
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have detected water molecules on the surface of asteroids for the first time. This finding challenges previous assumptions that these celestial bodies were nothing more than dried-up space rocks. The implications of this discovery are significant, as it could provide evidence to support the theory that asteroids crashing into Earth in the past may have delivered water and other essential elements to our planet.
The data was collected using the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), an airborne telescope mounted on a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. SOFIA’s infrared capabilities allowed astronomers to detect water molecules on two asteroids, Iris and Massalia, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These asteroids are over 223.1 million miles away from the sun.
The findings, published in The Planetary Science Journal, shed light on the composition of asteroids and their potential role in the formation of our solar system. Dr. Anicia Arredondo, the lead study author and a research scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, explained that the discovery was inspired by previous observations of water on the moon made by SOFIA. This prompted scientists to investigate whether water could also be found on asteroids.
While evidence of hydration had been found on Iris and Massalia before, it was unclear whether it was water or another molecular compound causing the hydration. However, the new observations with SOFIA definitively confirmed the presence of water on these asteroids. This is particularly significant because these asteroids belong to the S-class, which were previously assumed to be completely dry and composed mostly of silicates.
The amount of water detected on these asteroids is comparable to a 12-ounce bottle of water trapped within a cubic meter of soil. This finding aligns with previous observations of water on the lunar surface, where water can also be bound to minerals or trapped in impact glass. The discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the distribution of water across the solar system and the composition of different types of asteroids.
Dr. Arredondo and her team are now turning their attention to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to further investigate water signatures on different asteroids. The JWST, being larger and more powerful than SOFIA, has the potential to collect higher-quality data and observe a larger number of asteroids in a shorter amount of time. The preliminary results from the JWST observations have already encouraged the team to request additional observation time to study 30 more asteroids.
The ultimate goal is to take inventory of the water in the asteroid belt and understand if there are any trends between the amount of hydration and asteroid composition. Dr. Arredondo expressed her surprise at finding water on silicate-rich asteroids, as previous research focused more on carbon-rich asteroids like Bennu. This discovery raises questions about the distribution of water among different types of asteroids and could provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.
As scientists continue to explore the universe, discoveries like these challenge our assumptions and push the boundaries of our knowledge. The detection of water molecules on asteroids not only adds to our understanding of these celestial bodies but also provides clues about the origins of water on Earth. It is a reminder that the universe is full of surprises, waiting to be uncovered by those who dare to explore its mysteries.