Share
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA on Wednesday showed off its first asteroid samples delivered last month by a spacecraft — the most ever returned to Earth.
Reveal at Johnson Space Center
Scientists and space agency leaders took part in the reveal at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The ancient black dust and chunks are from the carbon-rich asteroid named Bennu, almost 60 million miles away. NASA’s Osiris-Rex spacecraft collected the samples three years ago and then dropped them off sealed in a capsule during a flyby of Earth last month.
Anticipated Findings
Scientists anticipated at least a cupful of rocks, far more than what Japan brought back from a pair of missions years ago. They’re still not sure about the exact quantity. That’s because the main sample chamber has yet to be opened, officials said.
“It’s been going slow and meticulous,” said the mission’s lead scientist, Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona.
Black dust and particles were scattered around the outside edge of the chamber, according to Lauretta.
“Already this is scientific treasure,” he said.
Significance of the Findings
Besides carbon, the asteroid rubble holds water in the form of water-bearing clay minerals, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
RELATED TOPICS:
CA Has Seen Many New Towns, but This Big Project Is Stalled
1 hour ago
Fresno Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Sexually Assaulting Children and Dog
13 hours ago
Bulldogs’ Two-Position Standout Tommy Hopfe Signs With Rockies
13 hours ago
Former Bulldog QB Jake Haener: I Have a ‘Rare Form of Skin Cancer’
14 hours ago
The Many Names of GOP Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance
14 hours ago
Jack Black, a Small Dog With a Big Heart, Is Looking for His Forever Home