Mystery surrounding the formation of asteroid Bennu solved
Researchers at ETH Zurich analysed samples returned from NASA’s OSIRIS‑REx mission and found that asteroid Bennu likely formed near the water‑ice line in the early Solar System, where fine dust from inner and outer regions mixed. Isotopic fingerprints of iron, titanium and chromium link Bennu to Ryugu and CI meteorites, indicating a shared origin in a transition zone influenced by early Jupiter growth. The findings challenge previous assumptions that such asteroids formed far out in the Solar System and provide new insights into planetary formation and the delivery of water and organics to Ea…
Researchers at ETH Zurich analysed samples returned from NASA’s OSIRIS‑REx mission and found that asteroid Bennu likely formed near the water‑ice line in the early Solar System, where fine dust from inner and outer regions mixed. Isotopic fingerprints of iron, titanium and chromium link Bennu to Ryugu and CI meteorites, indicating a shared origin in a transition zone influenced by early Jupiter growth. The findings challenge previous assumptions that such asteroids formed far out in the Solar System and provide new insights into planetary formation and the delivery of water and organics to Ea…
The study showcases ETH Zurich’s advanced analytical capabilities, reinforcing Switzerland’s position as a leader in scientific research that underpins AI development.
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