Bennu sample suggests formation near solar system ice line
Researchers at ETH Zurich measured iron, titanium and chromium isotopes in about half a gram of material from asteroid Bennu returned by the OSIRIS‑REx mission and published the results in Science Advances. the isotope fingerprint closely matches samples from asteroid Ryugu and rare CI meteorites, suggesting these bodies formed from a similar dust mix near the solar system water-ice line where ice aided grain sticking. the team proposes that Jupiter's growth may have filtered larger particles while fine dust moved and mixed there. further tests are needed to see if other asteroids share this fingerprint.
Isotope ratios show Bennu formed near the solar system water-ice line
Context
A space mission returned about 120 grams of Bennu material in 2023. researchers at ETH Zurich examined a half gram and published their isotope measurements. scientists may next check other asteroids and model Jupiter's effect on dust…
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