Ancient Cosmic Collision May Reveal Origins of Bennu and Ryugu

Rapid Summary

• A Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) study supports the hypothesis that near-Earth asteroids Bennu and Ryugu originated from the Polana family in the main asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter.
• The research compared near-infrared spectral data of Polana with data from Bennu and Ryugu, finding strong similarities suggesting a shared parent asteroid.
• Samples were collected via space missions: Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission for Ryugu (returned to Earth in 2020) and NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission for Bennu (returned to Earth in late 2023).
• Dr. Anicia Arredondo, lead author of the study, noted variances among thier spectral data but stated these differences were not enough to disprove a common origin.
• Bennu and Ryugu orbit closer to the Sun than Polana due to gravitational forces from Jupiter. Their smaller size-Bennu is ~one third of a mile wide, Ryugu is twice as large-contrasts with Polana’s larger diameter of ~33 miles.
• Researchers highlighted possible environmental effects on surface composition caused by solar radiation for Bennu/Ryugu or micrometeoroid impacts over time for Polana.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

This study highlights advancements in planetary science that have implications not only for understanding asteroid origins but also for tracking near-Earth objects. Establishing shared lineage between celestial bodies provides insights into potential past collisions that shaped our solar system’s structure-a crucial element in predicting future courses of such objects. For India’s scientific community, whose focus on space exploration is growing rapidly under ISRO’s initiatives like Chandrayaan and Asteroid Strikes Mitigation programs, studies like this one push boundaries toward international collaboration.

The role these findings play could support technologies aimed at preventing orbital hazards while boosting scientific exchange globally-notably given India’s aspirations toward interplanetary missions. These types of investigations enable long-term planning essential for space security policies worldwide while inspiring emerging nations’ commitment toward core astrophysics teamwork platforms being pioneered jointly .