Initial analyzes of the debris sample from the asteroid Bennu that was dropped on Earth about three weeks ago show that it is much more than just dirty dust. According to the American space agency NASA, traces of water and carbon have been found.
It is the first asteroid sample successfully returned to Earth in the history of the US space agency – and the largest sample ever taken. This was dropped in a capsule by NASA’s ‘Osiris-Rex’ probe over the Utah desert in September.
From there, the capsule was then taken to NASA laboratories in the US state of Texas – where around 200 scientists are now studying the material in detail using 60 different research methods. About three years ago, “Osiris-Rex” collected the sample from the celestial body using a complicated maneuver.
Further analyzes needed
The sample consists of dust and pieces of debris of various sizes and weighs a total of about 250 grams, about the same as a pack of butter, NASA said. Contrary to expectations, NASA scientists also found additional material from the asteroid Bennu on and on the capsule, initially causing the investigation to take longer than planned. According to the information, the most recent finds are still being further analyzed.
Asteroid comes closer to Earth
The deep black Bennu, named after an ancient Egyptian deity, has a diameter of about 550 meters and could come quite close to Earth in more than 150 years. Although the risk of an impact is very low, NASA considers Bennu to be one of the most dangerous asteroids currently known – and therefore wants to investigate it in detail.
Source: Krone
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