On the 11th, NASA presented images and videos of samples collected from the asteroid Bernu to the public for the first time. Preliminary analysis shows that the sample contains water, carbon, iron containing minerals, etc. The high carbon content exceeded expectations, and the presence of iron containing minerals suggests that their environment is rich in water. These findings may help researchers explore the mystery of the origin of life on Earth. The discovery of key elements related to the origin of life, NASA held a press conference at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas on the same day, showcasing preliminary research results. Director Bill Nelson said, "Carbon and water molecules are exactly the substances we want to find. They are key elements in the formation of our own planet. They will help us determine the origin of elements that may have contributed to the birth of life." The first asteroid sampling probe in the United States, Osiris Rex, delivered a sample collected on the asteroid Bennu to Earth in September this year, and the sample, weighing about 250 grams, was later sent to the Johnson Space Center. In a specially constructed clean room, staff wearing protective clothing conduct research on it. Nelson said that in a small portion of the samples studied, the weight percentage of carbon was nearly 5%, which is the highest among meteorites and other extraterrestrial materials detected by NASA researchers. These carbons exist in the form of organic molecules and minerals. In addition, the sample contains a large number of water molecules, which are "locked" in the crystal structure of clay fibers. We believe that this is how water reaches Earth, "said Dant Lauretta, a professor of planetary science at the University of Arizona and the research leader of the Osiris Rex mission, The reason why the Earth is livable and we have oceans, lakes, rivers, and rainwater is because these clay minerals came to the Earth 4 billion to 4.5 billion years ago, making our world livable. So what we see is how water integrates into solid matter, "added Lauretta. Researchers also discovered sulfide and iron oxide minerals in the samples. Sulfide minerals are "key elements in planetary evolution and biology", while iron containing minerals in the form of iron sulfide and iron oxide "inherently indicate their formation in a water rich environment". According to Agence France Presse, data provided by detector Osiris Rex shows that the surface material of Bernu is very loose, and if someone steps on it, it may sink in, similar to a children's playground ocean ball pool. The "Time and Space Capsule" has just opened, and Gaillarson said that this batch of samples is the largest sample ever taken from a carbon rich asteroid and returned to Earth, far exceeding the initial set target of 60 grams. Researchers have only conducted preliminary analysis on some of the stones and dust attached to the outer side of the sample container, and the main container has not yet been opened. Loretta said, 'There is still a whole box of precious extraterrestrial material waiting to be studied.'. Researchers reported that in October 2020, when the detector Osiris Rex used a robotic arm to sample on the surface of Bernoulli, a baffle used to seal the sample was not tightly covered, resulting in the scattering of some of the collected substances. After the sample compartment arrived on Earth, researchers opened the sample "package" and found that the top of the sample collector, container lid, and base were outside
Edit：Hu Sen Ming Responsible editor：Li Yi
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