NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission discovered a carbon-rich, clay-dominated dust sample from asteroid Bennu with phosphate hinting at its possible ancient ocean world origin.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission found a dust sample from asteroid Bennu rich in carbon, nitrogen, and organic compounds, essential components for life. The sample is dominated by clay minerals, including serpentine, and contains magnesium-sodium phosphate, hinting at Bennu's possible origin from an ancient, small, primitive ocean world. The surprise discovery of phosphate adds to the understanding of the asteroid's history and potential prebiotic chemistry.
June 26, 2024
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