The source of water on Earth and other planets like Mars is hotly debated in the planetary science community.
Researchers have taken the first measurements of water in samples collected from an asteroid—and the findings cast new light on the mysterious origin of the substance on Earth.
The asteroid is a peanut-shaped object measuring around 1,800 feet long and up to 1,000 feet wide, orbiting the Sun every 18 months in an elliptical path. This orbit brings it both closer to and further away from the star than the Earth-Sun distance. Itokawa belongs to a class known as S-type asteroids, which are one of the most common types of objects in the asteroid belt.
Furthermore, the team found that the Itokawa samples were extremely similar—in certain characteristics—to those of rocks found on Earth and other inner solar system bodies, lending weight to the hypothesis that such bodies share the same source of water. According to the researchers, the latest findings provide an alternative explanation to previous hypotheses of where water on Earth came from.
Cristina Thomas, an assistant professor from Northern Arizona University who was not involved in the study, said that the latest results were a “real game-changer” for how we think about water in the inner Solar System.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Why the moon is moving away from the earthScientists believe the moon formed from debris after a collision early in Earth’s history.
Weiterlesen »
NASA and FEMA are practicing what would happen if an asteroid hits the EarthCNN News, delivered. Select from our newsletters below and enter your email to subscribe.
Weiterlesen »
Earth Day baby ducks from Baby elephant hangs out in the zooBaby ducks make their way down the hall at Prairie Mountain School on Earth Day, April 22, 2019, in Eugene, Ore., to the delight of kindergarten children gathered nearby.
Weiterlesen »
Only one bottle of this $85,000 whiskey exists on EarthThe single malt whiskey is being auctioned at Sotheby's. The chef of the world's No. 1 rated restaurant is behind it.
Weiterlesen »
Only one bottle of this $85,000 whisky exists on EarthThe single malt whisky is being auctioned at Sotheby's. The chef of the world's No. 1 rated restaurant is behind it.
Weiterlesen »
God of chaos asteroid Apophis is headed for Earth—and NASA is excitedApohis is set to whiz past Earth at a distance of 19,000 miles in 2029.
Weiterlesen »
Threat to earth posed by meteors must be taken seriously, NASA warnsMeteors that could destroy an entire U.S. state or European country are a real threat to the earth, NASA's chief warned on Monday.
Weiterlesen »