NASA's asteroid samples have revealed organic compounds, including amino acids and nucleobases. Scientists say these findings are proof that asteroids may have helped seed early Earth.
NASA's analysis of asteroid Bennu samples has found key organic compounds, such as amino acids and nucleobases, essential for life. Collected by OSIRIS-REx in 2020 and delivered to Earth in 2023, these samples suggest that asteroids may have significantly contributed to the emergence of life on early Earth.
Two studies in "Nature Astronomy" and "Nature" reveal that the samples contain organic compounds and minerals from evaporated brine, suggesting conditions for prebiotic chemistry. Unlike meteorites, which can be contaminated after landing, these samples offer an untainted record of the solar system's early chemistry.
Scientists assume Bennu formed from a large icy celestial body, believed to be destroyed 1 to 2 billion years ago. The remnants became Bennu and other "rubble pile" asteroids, preserving ancient materials that could reveal clues about the origins of life.
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