NASA reveals origins of life in asteroid Bennu samples
- NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft returned samples from asteroid Bennu, showcasing the building blocks of life.
- Findings included a variety of organic compounds and minerals linked to ancient underwater environments.
- These results provide compelling evidence that asteroids could be crucial in the origins of life on Earth.
In October 2023, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, offering significant insights into the origins of life on Earth. The dust, soil, and rock samples collected are approximately 4.5 billion years old, believed to have originated during the early solar system. Initial analyses revealed a wealth of organic compounds, including 14 of the 20 amino acids essential for life, alongside mineral traces indicative of ancient watery conditions. Scientists suggest these findings hint that asteroids may have delivered the building blocks of life to young Earth, potentially reinforcing the theory of life's extraterrestrial origins. Further testing on these pristine samples is needed to enhance understanding and investigate the potential for similar discoveries from other celestial bodies.