CNN —Water molecules have been detected on the surface of asteroids for the first time, proving that these remnants from the formation of our solar system aren’t just dried-up space rocks.
Searching for water across the solar systemThe researchers attempted to look for water on two other asteroids using SOFIA, but the detection was too faint.
Now, the team is using the James Webb Space Telescope to zero in on different asteroids and search for water signatures.
“We really weren’t expecting to find water on these silicate-rich asteroids,” Arredondo said.
I want to know if the carbon-rich asteroids have significantly more water than silicate-rich asteroids, or if they have similar amounts.”
Persons:
Iris, Massalia, SOFIA, Anicia, Maggie McAdam, Arredondo, ” Arredondo, McAdam’s, James Webb, Webb, “, ” Webb, REx
Organizations:
CNN, Astronomy, Boeing, SOFIA, Science, Southwest Research Institute, NASA’s Ames Research
Locations:
SOFIA, San Antonio, Mountain View , California, Iris