The University of Arizona’s Osiris Rex spacecraft retrieved a sample from asteroid Bennu, bringing back valuable insights into the early days of our solar system. The samples have been analyzed by scientists, revealing surprising discoveries that shed light on the formation of asteroids and the origins of life.
According to Professor Jessica Barnes, the asteroid Bennu contains stardust that predates our solar system, as well as water and chemicals connected to early life forms. This raises the possibility that an asteroid could have played a role in planting life on Earth.
The samples also contain actual stardust from the early days of our solar system, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to study the material that formed our planet. The discovery was published in the prestigious journal Nature Astronomy and has significant implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth.
While the exact mechanism behind the asteroid’s impact on Earth is still unknown, the findings suggest that Bennu may have been part of a larger asteroid that formed far from our solar system. This could potentially shed light on the possibility of extraterrestrial life influencing the emergence of life on our planet.
Source: https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/university-of-arizona-news/new-findings-from-uas-asteroid-sample-mission