Asteroid Itokawa samples were collected by the Japanese Hayabusa mission in 2005 and delivered to Earth in 2010.
Asteroid Itokawa samples were collected by Japan's Hayabusa mission in 2005 and delivered to Earth in 2010.The existence of tiny salt crystals of sodium chloride was discovered in the samples of this peanut-shaped S-type asteroid. When the sample was examined under a microscope, the small particles were noted to be about 150 micrometers in diameter — roughly twice the diameter of a human hair.
Another noteworthy element of this research is that S-type asteroids are often devoid of water-bearing materials. However, these types of near-Earth asteroids are common in space. It has been widely assumed that organic-rich C-type asteroids were one of the primary sources of water on Earth.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hydrothermal fluid activity on asteroid Itokawa - Nature AstronomyThe presence of NaCl crystals within the sample gathered from S-type asteroid Itokawa and genetically linked to the surrounding plagioclase indicates the presence of an active hydrothermal system within Itokawa, contrary to the assumption that parent asteroids of ordinary chondrites were relatively water-depleted.
Read more »
Asteroid the size of a bridge expected to pass by Earth, NASA saysNASA says an asteroid that spans 1,500 feet -- the size of a bridge -- is expected to pass by Earth Monday.
Read more »
Asteroid the size of a bridge expected to pass by Earth, NASA saysNASA says an asteroid that spans 1,500 feet -- the size of a bridge -- is expected to pass by Earth Monday.
Read more »
Potentially hazardous asteroid passes Earth at 48,000 mphAn asteroid classified as potentially dangerous by NASA whizzed by Earth at 48,000 mph at 8:53 p.m. EDT Sunday.
Read more »
Wes Anderson films, quirky and colorful, often cast the same stars. Who are they?The release of 'Asteroid City' takes Wes Anderson's casting to a new level.
Read more »
NASA Psyche spacecraft set to launch for asteroid in October after year-long delayNASA's Psyche mission, destined for an asteroid unlike any previously studied, is set to...
Read more »