At the end of September, the OSIRIS-REx probe delivered a capsule containing valuable samples of material from the asteroid Bennu to Earth. Analyses conducted by researchers have revealed not only high amounts of carbon and water in these samples, but also significant quantities of magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus. These findings suggest that the samples originate from the early Solar System, confirming previous scientific expectations. However, the presence of these widely distributed elements, such as magnesium, sodium, and phosphates, in the samples has surprised researchers.
What discoveries have been made during the OSIRIS-REx mission?
The aforementioned mission of the NASA-owned OSIRIS-REx probe aimed to study the asteroid Bennu and return samples of its material to Earth. Upon touching the asteroid’s surface, it was found that the maneuver took longer than anticipated due to Bennu’s unique structure, composed of loosely bound rock fragments and many empty spaces. However, this allowed for a significantly larger amount of samples to be collected than originally planned.
The initial goal of the mission was to gather at least 60 grams of material, but the exact quantity of collected samples is currently unknown. Issues with opening the sample container on Earth have necessitated the development and implementation of new methods for material extraction. Currently, scientists are analyzing the samples that became trapped on the outer part of the container. The initial results suggest that Bennu contains various minerals, including hydrated clay minerals, carbonates, magnetite minerals, sulfides, and organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen.
What do these discoveries mean?
The discoveries from the OSIRIS-REx probe provide valuable information about the previous conditions in the Solar System. The presence of carbon, water, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus in the samples suggests that the asteroid Bennu is a source of organic substances originating from the early stage of our planetary system’s formation.
Sample collection from the asteroid Bennu is not only important for scientific research but also helps to better understand the history of our Solar System. Analyzing these samples can provide knowledge about the formation of planets, as well as the chemical and physical evolution of celestial objects.
FAQ
What is the OSIRIS-REx probe?
The OSIRIS-REx probe is a mission conducted by NASA with the aim of studying the asteroid Bennu and returning samples of its material to Earth.
What samples have been obtained by the OSIRIS-REx probe?
The OSIRIS-REx probe has delivered samples of material from the asteroid Bennu to Earth, which contain carbon, water, magnesium, sodium, phosphates, clay minerals, and organic compounds.
What is the significance of the discoveries from the OSIRIS-REx probe?
The discoveries from the OSIRIS-REx probe provide knowledge about the previous conditions in our Solar System and help to better understand the processes of planet formation and the evolution of celestial objects.
Sources
Article based on information found on the NASA website
The source of the article is from the blog krama.net