"First-Ever Discovery: Water Detected on Asteroid Surface by Defunct NASA Mission"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Space.com
Water molecules have been detected on the surface of two silicate-rich asteroids, Iris and Massalia, for the first time, providing new insights into the distribution of water in our solar system. Data collected by NASA's SOFIA revealed the presence of water molecules on these asteroids, similar to previous findings on the moon. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the distribution of water in the inner solar system and suggests that some silicate asteroids may retain water over time. Understanding the distribution of water in space is crucial for assessing potential sources of life beyond Earth.