Scientists continue to reveal new clues regarding the composition of the mysterious asteroid 162173better known as Ryugu.
Samples of fine dust from the space rock, which were collected by the Japanese Hayabusa2 probe, have yielded further information regarding the history of this asteroid and even some details regarding the molecular composition of the cloud from which the Sol and the solar system.
That is, once once more, the researchers find indications that the main body from which Ryugu formed had liquid water that changed its mineral composition.
Also read: Ryugu asteroid: They find carbonated water and organic matter that would support hypotheses regarding the origin of life on Earth
But the work led by Hikaru Yabuta from the University of Japanalso found some anomalies in the isotopes present in the sample. Isotopes are versions of the same chemical element (with more or fewer neutrons in their nucleus) and the ratio of this element is like a chemical fingerprint that can tell where a molecule came from.
Soluble organic molecules detected in surface samples from the Ryugu asteroid. Science.
The proportion of deuterium (a heavier version of hydrogen) and nitrogen-15 suggests that some of the organic matter is much older than the asteroid, even older than the Sun.
Other research, published in the science magazine, analyzed organic molecules that are soluble in water. They found aliphatic amines, carboxylic acids, among others, and once more amino acids. The amino acids are the building blocks of life and its first discovery in Ryugu was announced in mid-2022.
Chemical evolution of macromolecular organic matter in samples from the Ryugu asteroid.
The origin of these molecules is not related to living organisms, they are of abiotic origin. Both teams discovered similarities between Ryugu and the meteorito Ivunapart of a very rare subgroup of asteroids rich in carbonaccording to a third paper published in the science magazine.
Ivuna is found in one of the cabinets at the Buseck Center for Meteorite Studies; Pictured here in a glass archival jar. ASU/BCMS photo.
#Future360 | Like a pumice stone: Scientists say that the Ryugu asteroid has a light and porous texture https://t.co/7MKr9l7eOP pic.twitter.com/CZ9k1QDdCt
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