The asteroid worth a staggering $10 quadrillion is undergoing an unexpected transformation. Recent images from the JWST telescope show it rusting away in space.
Space always has fascinating surprises in store for us, and one of them is the asteroid. (16) Psyche, which has attracted the attention of not only NASA, but also from economists and curious people from all over the world. Valued at an impressive 10 thousand quadrillion, psyche It was initially estimated at such an astronomical value because it is believed to be composed mostly of precious metals, such as iron, nickel and even gold.
This metallic composition, very different from most asteroids composed of rock and ice, makes it a true floating mine in space.
With such a wealth of resources, a fraction of Psyche's metals could, in theory, revolutionize the global economy, injecting a gigantic amount of valuable metals into the market.
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However, new information about the asteroid has surprised scientists: Psyche appears to be rusting, as shown in the latest images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Psyche's scientific value to NASA
While the monetary value of the asteroid is mind-boggling, NASA is more interested in what Psyche can reveal about the history of our solar system.
The asteroid is believed to actually be the exposed core of a protoplanet, offering a unique opportunity to study a planetary core up close. The discovery could provide valuable insights into the early days of the solar system and how terrestrial planets like Earth formed.
By studying Psyche, NASA hopes to better understand the building blocks of planets. Essentially, Psyche's metallic composition could mirror the cores of planets like our own, making it a true window into the past of planetary formation. But there is a puzzle: the asteroid appears to be much more complex than initially imagined.
New data and surprises: Is Psyche not so metallic after all?
Until recently, Psyche's density was estimated to be extremely high, suggesting that it was rich in metals. However, more recent observations reveal that its density has been revised downwards. This indicates that Psyche's composition may not be as metallic as previously thought, and that it contains a significant amount of silicates, minerals more common in rocky asteroids.
Furthermore, the most recent data from JWST brought an even more intriguing revelation: the presence of hydroxyl (OH) and possibly water (H2O) on the asteroid's surface.
These molecules appear to be reacting with the asteroid's metals, leading to the formation of rust. The discovery is surprising because water was not expected to be found on Psyche, raising new questions about its history and origin.
How is rust forming on Psyche?
The key to this discovery lies in the different wavelengths of light absorbed by molecules present in Psyche. Using advanced instruments such as the JWST's Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), scientists were able to observe the asteroid in detail.
The result was the detection of a 3-micrometer absorption feature, which is typically associated with OH and H2O molecules. This suggests that Psyche's surface is not purely metallic, as previously thought.
But where does this water come from? One of the most widely accepted hypotheses is that Psyche may have formed beyond the solar system's snow line, a region where it was cold enough for water to condense into ice.
If this hypothesis is true, the asteroid may have migrated to its current position in the asteroid belt, bringing with it traces of water. Another possibility is that this hydration is the result of impacts from other water-rich asteroids that collided with Psyche.
The Future of Psyche Exploration
While JWST observations have revealed new information about Psyche, there are still many unanswered questions.
To better understand this enigmatic asteroid, NASA launched a spacecraft to Psyche in October 2023. The mission is expected to arrive at the asteroid in mid-2029 and promises to provide a more detailed examination of its surface, composition and internal structure.
With the help of high-precision instruments, NASA's mission will be able to confirm or refute many of the hypotheses raised so far.
Asteroid mining remains in the realm of speculation for now, but the scientific data that Psyche can provide promises to be revolutionary, both for science and for the future of space exploration.