We are living in a peculiar time. There are Mysterious creatures underwater in Antarctica, Microorganisms surviving in outer space. Now, Scientists have found organic matter and water on an asteroid, which is quite shocking and fascinating.
Organic Matter and Water Found on An Asteroid
Scientists have found organic matter and water from the surface of an asteroid sample. The sample was collected from the solar system. This is the first time something like this has been found on an asteroid.
Context
The sample, which was only a single grain, came from the asteroid ‘Itokawa’ as a part of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (Jaxa) first Hayabusa mission in 2010.
The scientist calls the single grain sample “Amazon.”
More on the Asteroid
The sample shows that the organic matter and water found on the asteroid did not come from an alien world. Instead, it originated from the asteroid itself.
The researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London, have their thoughts on it as well. They have suggested that the asteroid has been evolving for billions of years by incorporating liquid and organic matter. This is pretty much similar to what Earth does.
So the asteroid has faced extreme heat, dehydration, been shattered. But still, it managed to re-form and rehydrate by using the materials that it picked up on its journey.
Studies also suggest that S-type asteroids can contain raw components of life. S-type asteroids are the most common asteroids that come to Earth.
This could also potentially challenge our knowledge regarding the origins and history of life on Earth as it is centered on the carbon-rich C-type asteroids.
Various Statements
The paper on this topic is titled, “Organic matter and water from asteroid Itokawa”. It is available in the journal Scientific Reports.
Further Reading: Organic Matter and Water Found on An Asteroid
A great finding like this will set the framework for a more in-depth analysis of other asteroid samples. JAXA’s Hayabusa 2 mission also brought back pieces of asteroid Ryugu last year. It brought a piece of celestial rock that was just 38 cm in diameter.
In 2019, the samples from the asteroid named Bennu provided a new perspective on the Solar System’s evolution. It also confirmed the availability of hydrated minerals and the presence of large boulders.
In conclusion, it is a very great discovery, and with more missions in place, we can expect a lot of new findings as well. As a result, this will improve our understanding of outer space and our solar system evolution. How much do discoveries like these excite you? Do let us know your views in the comments.
Article Reference VIA
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