2024-03-11 13:00:06
Research results have been announced showing that astronomers discovered water molecules on the surface of an asteroid for the first time, providing a new understanding of the early formation process of the solar system and an interesting outlook for future space exploration. / Photo = K trendy NEWS DB ⓒK Trendy Unauthorized reproduction, collection, and redistribution of news is prohibited.
[KtN 조종식기자] Astronomers have discovered water molecules on the surface of an asteroid for the first time, a study has revealed, providing new insight into the solar system’s early formation and exciting prospects for future space exploration. This study was conducted through spectral analysis of two large asteroids as part of the Stratosphere Observatory for Astrophysics (SOFIA) project jointly conducted by NASA and the German Space Agency.
The research team conducted research on four silicate-rich asteroids using the Faint Object infraRed CAmera for the SOFIA Telescope (FORCAST) mounted on SOFIA. As a result, it was confirmed that water at the molecular level exists in the asteroids Iris and Massalia. This indicates that water may exist on the surfaces of asteroids and other small bodies, which might lead to important changes in the way scientists approach the search for life in our solar system and beyond.
Dr. Southwest Research Institute, who led the study. “Asteroids are leftovers from the planet formation process, and their composition depends on where in the solar system they formed,” explained Anicia Arredondo. This discovery is expected to contribute to deepening our understanding of how water is distributed within our solar system and what environment that distribution took place in the early days of the solar system’s formation.
This study also provides important clues regarding how water was delivered to Earth and its origins. This suggests that small bodies, such as asteroids, may have played an important role in transporting ice and other volatile materials to the inner planets in the early solar system. This might have a significant impact on future space exploration and life search strategies.
Of course, for two asteroids not included in this study, Parthenope and Melpomene, there was insufficient data to make any conclusions, but this indicates that scientists need to conduct further research in this area. The research team said it is already planning to study additional asteroids using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
This discovery is expected to have a significant impact not only on solar system research, but also on future space exploration and research on the possibility of humanity living in space. In particular, for space explorers, water is an essential resource for life support, agriculture, oxygen, and fuel production, and the results of this study suggest the possibility of using water resources on asteroids, etc.
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