Asteroid Bennu's Samples Suggest its Ancient Oceanic Origins

Initial examinations of samples from asteroid Bennu, collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, suggest that this space rock might have originated from a lost ocean world.

Researchers at the University of Arizona, who are analyzing these extraterrestrial materials, have uncovered intriguing findings that could rewrite our understanding of celestial bodies.

The samples from Bennu, containing a significant amount of water trapped in minerals, along with rich deposits of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, have astounded scientists. Unlike meteorites that have interacted with Earth's atmosphere, these samples offer pristine insights into the early solar system, preserved for over 4 billion years.

Of particular interest is the discovery of a phosphate crust, a feature unseen in meteorites. This high concentration of phosphates is reminiscent of those found on Saturn's moon Enceladus, hinting at Bennu's possible connection to an ancient oceanic world. While speculative, this theory opens new avenues for understanding planetary formation and the distribution of life-supporting elements in the cosmos.

The ongoing analysis of Bennu's samples promises to yield further revelations about the origins of our solar system and the role of asteroids in shaping planetary evolution.