Material Older than Sun Discovered on Asteroid
NASA’s spacecraft Osiris Rex has made a groundbreaking discovery, scooping up dust from asteroid Bennu that’s been found to contain material older than the Sun. This incredible find has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of our solar system.
The discovery was made possible by Osiris Rex’s brief touch-down on Bennu’s surface, where it collected a total of 120 grams of dust. This may seem like a small amount, but it’s a significant milestone in the study of asteroids and the formation of our solar system.
The first major chemical study of Bennu has identified “presolar grains,” stardust that was formed around dying stars billions of years ago. These grains are incredibly ancient, dating back to a time when the Sun was still in its early stages of formation.
To put this in perspective, the Sun is approximately 4.6 billion years old. The presolar grains found on Bennu, on the other hand, are estimated to be around 4.7 billion years old. This means that the material on the asteroid is older than the Sun itself, providing a unique window into the early history of our solar system.
The discovery of presolar grains on Bennu is a significant breakthrough in the field of astrophysics. These grains are incredibly rare, as they’re formed when stars die in a massive explosion called a supernova. The grains are then scattered throughout the galaxy, carrying with them information about the star’s composition and the conditions in which it died.
The study of presolar grains can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. By analyzing these grains, scientists can learn more about the conditions in the early solar system, including the temperature, pressure, and chemical composition of the material that formed the planets.
The discovery of presolar grains on Bennu also raises interesting questions about the asteroid’s origin. Bennu is a relatively small asteroid, measuring just 1,640 feet in diameter. Its surface is composed of a mixture of dark material and lighter-colored material, which suggests that it may have undergone significant changes over the course of its history.
One theory is that Bennu is a remnant of the early solar system, a piece of material that was left over from the formation of the planets. This material would have been rich in organic compounds and other complex molecules, which would have played a crucial role in the development of life on Earth.
Another theory is that Bennu is a fragment of a larger asteroid that was broken apart by collisions with other asteroids or planets. This would have created the dark material on its surface, which is thought to be the result of carbon-rich compounds.
Regardless of its origin, the discovery of presolar grains on Bennu is a significant milestone in the study of asteroids and the formation of our solar system. It’s a reminder of the incredible complexity and diversity of the universe, and the many mysteries that still remain to be solved.
As NASA’s Osiris Rex spacecraft continues to orbit Bennu, scientists are eager to learn more about this ancient asteroid and its place in the history of our solar system. With its incredible age and unique composition, Bennu is a treasure trove of information that’s sure to provide scientists with a wealth of new insights and discoveries.
