Bennu samples reveal a nanoscale patchwork shaped by ancient water
A study of material returned from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission found three distinct types of organic-mineral regions, rather than a uniform mix. The researchers say the pattern suggests liquid water interacted with different parts of Bennu’s parent body under varying conditions, while fragile organic molecules survived.
Bottom line — The study links Bennu’s chemical patchwork to water-driven change about 4.5 billion years ago.
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ScienceDaily reports that the team examined sample OREX-800066-3, returned to Earth in September 2023.
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Nanoscale infrared and Raman spectroscopy resolved chemical differences at scales of about 20 nanometres, according to ScienceDaily.
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ScienceDaily identifies one region rich in aliphatic organic compounds, another in carbonate minerals, and a third in nitrogen-bearing organics.
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The NASA Goddard summary says Bennu samples contain all five nucleobases found in DNA and RNA, plus 14 of the 20 amino acids used to build proteins.
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NASA Goddard also reports salts formed as an ancient brine evaporated in Bennu’s parent body.