Asteroid Ryugu Reveals Rare Mineral Not Found on Earth
Asteroid Ryugu reveals minerals older than Earth, including a rare phosphide not found on our planet.
Why it matters
- Provides insights into the early Solar System.
- Discovery of a rare phosphide mineral not present on Earth.
- Potential clues about the origins of life on Earth.
By the numbers
- Two grains analyzed, one from the surface and one from within the asteroid.
- Only 5.4 grams of material were collected in 2020.
- Research team received only 9.3 milligrams for analysis.
The big picture
- Minerals from Ryugu are older than any found on Earth.
- These findings help understand the early Solar System.
- Potential role of extraterrestrial matter in originating life on Earth.
What they're saying
- Excitement and curiosity about the rare mineral.
- Some humor and moderation notes in the comments.
Caveats
- The exact identity of the rare mineral is not confirmed yet.
- Further study in 2024 identified it as HAMP.
What’s next
- More analysis of the asteroid material expected.
- Further insights into the early Solar System and origins of life.