Scientists find the presence of water molecules in asteroids

A group of scientists from the Southwest Research Institute For the first time in history, he was able to detect water molecules in silicate-rich asteroids. The discovery could mean a first step in understanding how water will be distributed within the solar system, or even better, how to search for life in and outside it.

To implement this revelation, researchers They requested help from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, known as SOFIAWhich was actually the key to finding water molecules on the moon. It is a process that served as a starting point to continue the same research, only changing the target to other bodies.

Asteroids with water molecules

Although scientists have long considered the possibility that some asteroids contain some form of water on their surfaces, this has not been specifically confirmed until now. In this way, emphasis can be placed on different theories, such as those that consider the possibility of the possible The origin of extraterrestrial oceans.

In reality, The idea of ​​water reaching Earth through the impacts of various asteroids that originally contained it takes on new importance.. Dr. Anisia Arredondo said: “Asteroids are remnants of the planetary formation process, so their compositions differ depending on where they formed in the solar nebula.”

According to his words about the discovery that was reported by the media Planetary Science JournalThis could open up new avenues of research: “The distribution of water in asteroids is of particular interest, because it can shed light on how water reaches Earth.”

Understanding the precise composition of asteroids, depending on their original location, can also help understand how the materials that make up the solar nebula have evolved since their formation. in this way It will also be easier to know where Searching for potential lifeWithin or outside the boundaries of the solar system.

Trace the footsteps of water on the moon

The idea of ​​searching for the presence of water on asteroids via SOFIA arose naturally, according to those responsible for the research, after it achieved the same result on the surface of the moon. Now the data obtained seem to leave no room for doubt, according to Dr. Arrenado.

“We discovered a feature that is unequivocally attributed to molecular water in the asteroids Eris and Massalia,” he said. “We are building on the success of the team that has been found Molecular water on the moon's surface Illuminated by the sunto. “We thought we could use SOFIA to find this spectral signature in other objects.”

Having achieved this important achievement in space observation, the members of the Southwest Research Institute now intend to study other similar goals. If they continue the string of positive results, we may be closer to understanding the distribution of water in the solar system. Something essential in the search for life.