Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Asteroid samples retrieved by NASA’s Osiris-Rex reveal remnants of an ancient water world. Scientists believe these salty, organic-rich grains hold the key to understanding how life may have originated on Earth billions of years ago.
The discovery strengthens the theory that asteroids delivered the building blocks of life to Earth. The presence of amino acids, nitrogen, and genetic code components suggests these celestial bodies may have helped jump-start life in our planet’s infancy.
At 122 grams (4 ounces), this is the largest asteroid sample ever retrieved beyond the moon. The mission eclipses Japan’s previous efforts, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the composition of near-Earth asteroids.
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Scientists uncovered sodium-rich minerals similar to those in Earth's dry lakebeds. These suggest Bennu’s parent asteroid once had extensive underground lakes or even oceans, which evaporated over time, leaving salty chemical signatures behind.
NASA's Daniel Glavin confirmed the organic material found on Bennu is not from Earth. Unlike meteorites that can be contaminated upon impact, these pristine samples were retrieved directly, preserving their extraterrestrial integrity.
Credit: NASA
Sixty research labs across the globe are currently analyzing fragments of Bennu. The mission’s chief scientist, Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona, emphasizes that only a small fraction has been studied, with more discoveries yet to come.
Scientists are now advocating for a sample return mission to Ceres, a potentially water-rich dwarf planet. Meanwhile, future missions targeting Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus could further unlock the mystery of extraterrestrial life.
China has announced plans to launch its own asteroid sample mission this year. With multiple nations racing to retrieve extraterrestrial material, the quest for life beyond Earth is becoming an increasingly competitive global effort.
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"Are we alone?" asks Smithsonian Institution meteorite curator Tim McCoy. With Mars rock samples waiting for retrieval and more missions in the pipeline, scientists edge closer to answering one of humanity’s greatest mysteries.