NASA scientists are preparing to open a capsule containing dust from the asteroid Bennu, which will provide insights into our solar system. The heavily protected shell, containing approximately 250g of material, made a gentle landing in Utah’s west desert after plunging through the atmosphere. Researchers are eager to learn more about planet formation, the origin of organic molecules, and the presence of water that led to life on Earth. The dust was collected by the Osiris-Rex spacecraft in 2020, making it a pristine time capsule unaffected by the intense heat and pressure of planet formation. Bennu is also of interest due to its status as the most dangerous known space rock, with a small chance of colliding with Earth in the future. Scientists hope that studying Bennu’s composition will provide valuable insights for dealing with potential asteroid threats. The soft and spongey surface of the asteroid may complicate attempts to redirect its path. The focus is currently on opening the capsule and obtaining initial results from the dust. A quarter of the material will be distributed to scientists worldwide for further study, while the rest will be preserved for future generations with more advanced equipment and analytical techniques. This will unlock the true secrets of Bennu.
