2023-11-07 07:00:03
The sample taken from the asteroid Bennu, classified as a potentially dangerous object by NASA, was unveiled to the general public for the first time at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on November 3. This presentation marks an important step in space research. The sample, weighing between 100 and 250 grams, is considered to contain precursors to the first forms of life.
This image, taken by NASA’s Osiris-Rex probe in December 2018, shows the asteroid Bennu.
The sample returned to Earth aboard the OSIRIS-REx capsule, following a journey of seven years and 6.4 million kilometers (The meter (symbol m, from the Greek metron, measurement) is the basic unit of length of the system…). The capsule landed safely in the Utah desert before being transported to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. from Texas to the southern United States. With a population of more than…) for analysis.
Kirk Johnson, director of the National Museum of Natural History, emphasizes the scientific importance of this mission, particularly for understand the specificities of our planet (A planet is a celestial body orbiting the Sun or another star…). Bennu, a potentially dangerous asteroid, has a probability of 1 in 2,700 of hitting Earth in 2182.
NASA is particularly interested in the elements locked in the asteroid, likely to have played a role in the appearance of life on Earth. Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, discusses the importance of carbon molecules and water, essential to the formation of our planet, found in the sample.
Earth probably received its water via asteroids and comets. Bennu, a type B asteroid, rich in carbon, might contain primitive molecules present during the emergence of life on Earth. Building blocks of life, such as uracil, have already been discovered on the asteroid Ryugu by the Exploration Agency’s Hayabusa2 probe (Exploration is the act of searching with the intention of discovering something ‘unknown.) Aerospace (Aerospace (singular feminine common noun) is a scientific discipline which…) Japanese.
NASA scientists open the lid of the OSIRIS-REx capsule following returning to Earth.
Credit: Robert Markowitz
The collection of the sample on Bennu was carried out following almost two years of searching for a landing site. Upon contact, OSIRIS-REx released nitrogen to stabilize the landing and prevent the probe from sinking. in the asteroid, allowing rocks and dust to be recovered.
Tim McCoy, curator of meteorites at the museum and participant in the OSIRIS-REx mission, emphasizes the importance of the samples in understanding the origins of water and organic matter before the appearance of life on our planet.
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