Astronomers used the FORCAST instrument on NASA's retired Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) to obtain mid-infrared spectra of four S-type (silicate-rich) asteroids: Iris, Partenope, Melpomene, and Massalia. Did. They detected features on two of her asteroids, Iris and Massalia, that could clearly be attributed to water molecules.
Arredondo other. Using his FORCAST instrument at NASA's SOFIA Observatory, he observed four silicate-rich asteroids and found mid-infrared spectral signatures indicating molecular water on two of them, Iris and Massalia. Separated. Image credit: NASA/Carla Thomas/Southwest Research Institute.
“Asteroids are leftovers from the planet-forming process, so their composition varies depending on where in the solar nebula they form,” said Dr. Anisia Arredondo, a planetary researcher at the Southwest Research Institute.
“Of particular interest is the distribution of water on the asteroid, as it may reveal how water was delivered to Earth.”
Anhydrous, or dry, silicate asteroids form close to the Sun, and icy material coalesces farther away.
Understanding the location of asteroids and their composition can help us understand how material within the solar nebula has been distributed and evolved since its formation.
The distribution of water in our solar system provides insight into the distribution of water in other planetary systems, and because water is necessary for all life on Earth, there is potential both within and outside the solar system. You will decide where to look for natural life.
“We detected features on the asteroids Iris and Massalia that are clearly attributable to water molecules,” Arredondo said.
“We are building on the success of the team that discovered water molecules on the moon's sunlit surface.”
“We thought we could use SOFIA to find this spectral feature in other objects.”
Sofia detected water molecules in one of the largest craters in the moon's southern hemisphere.
Previous observations of both the Moon and the asteroid have detected some types of hydrogen, but have not been able to distinguish between water and its chemical cousin hydroxyl.
Scientists found that in the cubic meters of soil spread across the moon's surface, there is approximately the equivalent of a 12-ounce (355 ml) bottle of water trapped chemically bonded to minerals.
“Based on the band intensities of the spectral features, the water abundance on the asteroid matches the water abundance on the sunlit moon,” Arredondo said.
“Similarly, in asteroids, water not only binds to minerals, but also adsorbs to silicates and can become trapped or dissolved in silicate impact glass.”
Data from two fainter asteroids, Partenope and Melpomene, were too noisy to draw definitive conclusions.
The FORCAST instrument appears not to be sensitive enough to detect the spectral signature of water, if it exists.
But with these discoveries, researchers are calling on NASA/ESA/CSA's James Webb Space Telescope to take advantage of its precise optics and superior signal-to-noise ratio to investigate more targets. I am requesting you to do so.
“We conducted initial measurements of two more asteroids with Mr. Webb during Cycle 2,” said Dr. Arredondo.
“We are making another proposal to consider 30 more goals in the next cycle.”
“These studies will improve our understanding of the distribution of water in the solar system.”
of study Published in Planetary Science Journal.
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Anisia Arredondo other. 2024. Molecular H2O is detected on a nominally anhydrous asteroid. planet. Science. J 5, 37; doi: 10.3847/PSJ/ad18b8
Source: www.sci.news
