Water found on asteroid surface from space

This is the first time water molecules have been found in space.

After analyzing data from the defunct Stratospheric Infrared Observatory, scientists from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the German Space Agency (DLR) discovered that Iris (199km in diameter) and Massalia (135km in diameter) - 2 of the 4 silicate-rich asteroids (a material consisting of silicon and oxygen along with other molecules) have the presence of water molecules on their surfaces.

Although water molecules have previously been detected in asteroid samples brought back to Earth, this is the first time water molecules have been found in space.

The results were published in the journal Planetary Science. The amount of water found in the two asteroids matches the amount found on the moon and suggests the water may be bound to minerals or other materials, said Anicia Arredondo, a scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. The discovery of water molecules on asteroids could help scientists learn about how water is distributed in the solar system and the distribution of matter in space.

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tim-thay-nuoc-tren-be-mat-tieu-hanh-tinh-tu-khong-gian-post726899.html