NASA’s Bennu Asteroid Sample Contains Carbon And Water, Reveals Initial Study

A recent examination of the samples retrieved from the asteroid Bennu has unveiled a remarkable revelation — the presence of high carbon content and water, as reported by Indian Express.

This discovery points to the fundamental elements necessary for life on Earth being present on this ancient asteroid, which dates back approximately 4.5 billion years.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared this significant finding during an announcement at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they showcased the asteroid material for the first time since its return to Earth as part of the OSIRIS-REx mission.

Bill Nelson, the NASA administrator, emphasised that the OSIRIS-REx sample is the largest carbon-rich asteroid sample ever collected and delivered to Earth.

This invaluable material holds the potential to advance the understanding of the origins of life on our planet for generations to come.

Furthermore, missions like OSIRIS-REx not only enhance the comprehension of potentially hazardous asteroids but also offer glimpses into the mysteries of the universe beyond.

The primary goal of the OSIRIS-REx mission was to collect 60 grams of asteroid material from Bennu for detailed analysis on Earth.

However, when the sample canister was opened, scientists were surprised to find additional material covering the collector head, lid, and base.

Scientists initiated a "quick-look" analysis, encompassing various data collection methods such as scanning electron microscopy, infrared measurements, X-ray diffraction, and chemical element analysis.

They even created a 3D computer model of one of the particles using X-ray computed tomography. This initial analysis provided compelling evidence of a substantial presence of carbon and water within the sample.