Uncovering cosmic springs: water discovered on asteroid surfaces may hint at extraterrestrial life
There are more than 1 million asteroids orbiting the Sun, each differing in composition and structure. Closer to the Sun, silicate asteroids devoid of ice are most common, but further away, icy bodies predominate. Until recently, scientists believed the water within these bodies should have long since evaporated.
New research utilising data from the flying observatory SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) contradicts this theory. Scientists from the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) discovered water on the surface of the Iris and Massalia asteroids. A comprehensive article on the topic can be found on IOPscience.
Asteroids Iris and Massalia orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Both planetoids are vast, with the body of the former having a diameter of about 199 kilometres and the latter 135 kilometres.
At the SOFIA observatory, scientists from the Southwest Research Institute gathered data. Measurements from the FORCAST (Faint Object InfraRed Camera) proved especially useful in identifying the signature of water molecules on the asteroid surfaces.
Lead researcher Dr Anicia Arredondo from The Southwest Research Institute confirmed that based on the strength of spectral lines and the volume and distribution of water on asteroids, the measurements were consistent with water discovered on the Moon. The water was found trapped and bound with minerals and absorbed by silicates.
Need for further research
Scientists are planning further asteroid studies. Additional analysis is necessary to understand water distribution in the solar system fully. The team will now use the James Webb Space Telescope, which offers superior optics and a far better signal-to-noise ratio.
Studying the distribution of asteroids aids in understanding the composition and transmission of elements in the solar nebula before forming planets and asteroids. Scientists are also keen to understand water distribution, as this could provide insight into its distribution in exoplanetary systems and the likelihood of extraterrestrial life.
