James Webb Telescope Discovers Rust on Asteroid Psyche
James Webb Telescope Discovers Rust on Asteroid Psyche
James Webb Telescope Discovers Rust on Asteroid Psyche
News summary

Recent observations with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) reveal that the metallic asteroid 16 Psyche may be rusting, challenging previous assumptions about its composition. Initially believed to be predominantly iron and nickel, new findings indicate the presence of hydroxyl groups, suggesting that water or water-bearing compounds may have interacted with the asteroid's surface. This could imply a more complex history for Psyche, which is thought to be the remnant of a protoplanet's core. The hydroxyls could have originated from meteorite impacts or formed within Psyche itself, hinting at its journey from beyond the asteroid belt. NASA's Psyche spacecraft, launched in October 2023, is set to arrive at the asteroid by mid-2029, promising to shed light on its chemical makeup and origins. These discoveries could provide significant insights into the early solar system and the formation of rocky planets like Earth.

Story Coverage
Bias Distribution
100% Left
Information Sources
bfb2a97b-336e-48d9-b69a-147df7862dc2
Left 100%
Coverage Details
Total News Sources
1
Left
1
Center
0
Right
0
Unrated
0
Last Updated
30 days ago
Bias Distribution
100% Left
Related News
Daily Index

Negative

20Serious

Neutral

Optimistic

Positive

Ask VT AI
Story Coverage
Subscribe

Stay in the know

Get the latest news, exclusive insights, and curated content delivered straight to your inbox.

Related News
Recommended News