James Webb Telescope Finds Rust on Asteroid Psyche

In a groundbreaking study, scientists utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a component of water on the enigmatic metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This asteroid, measuring 173 miles (280 kilometers) at its widest point, was previously believed to be entirely metallic, potentially representing the iron-rich core of a planetesimal. The unique composition of Psyche has sparked interest, with estimates valuing its rare metals at an astonishing $100,000 quadrillion, prompting NASA's ongoing Psyche mission aimed at understanding the formation of terrestrial planets. However, recent findings reveal that Psyche may not be as metallic as once thought. Researchers analyzed infrared spectra, which indicated the presence of hydroxyl units—molecules that are components of water. Despite this promising discovery, the results remain inconclusive due to potential interference from water vapor in Earth's atmosphere during data collection at NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii. This method has previously been successful in detecting molecular water on the Moon but had not been applied to asteroids until now. The study's lead author, Stephanie Jarmak, noted that the hydroxyls detected appear to be bonded to metals on Psyche, suggesting the formation of rust. Nevertheless, the possibility of water existing in other regions of the asteroid remains open, as JWST may not have captured all relevant areas. Future research will focus on identifying the locations of hydrated metals on Psyche's surface, particularly in a large crater at its south pole, which may have been formed by a hydrated impactor.