Unveiling Surprising Clues: Ancient Asteroid Samples Shed Light on Solar System Origins

TL;DR Summary
NASA scientists are analyzing samples from the asteroid Bennu, collected during the OSIRIS-REx mission, but two screws in the canister containing the samples are stuck, preventing access to all the material. Despite this setback, the analyzed samples have revealed fascinating findings, including unique black and bluish sheen material, rare combinations of magnesium, phosphate, and sodium, and organic compounds that could be the building blocks of life. These findings make the mission worthwhile, as it represents the first time NASA has physically handled such ancient materials.
Topics:science#ancient-materials#asteroid#nasa#organic-compounds#sample-return-mission#space-science
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- 'Head-scratcher': first look at asteroid dust brought to Earth offers surprises Nature.com
- Pristine asteroid samples offer window into the early Solar System Science
- New clues from asteroid Bennu about the origins of life Earth.com
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