"Surprising Discoveries: Unveiling the First Look at Asteroid Dust Brought to Earth"

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has brought back over 70 grams of asteroid dust and pebbles, more than ten times the amount ever collected from an asteroid. Initial analysis of the samples has revealed surprising combinations of chemical elements, including a light-colored surface skin containing magnesium, sodium, and phosphate, which is rarely seen in meteorites. The samples also contain hydrated clay minerals, carbonates, magnetite, sulfide minerals, and organic compounds. However, two screws on the sample canister are preventing access to the rest of the space rock, and new screwdrivers are being made to resolve the issue.