Scientist helps discover how water is regenerated on asteroids

Scientists have discovered how water molecules can be regenerated on asteroids moving through space, in an exciting breakthrough that could extend to other bodies such as the Moon.

Published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the new research shows water can be replenished on the surface of asteroids if both solar wind and impacting meteoroids come together at very low temperatures.

Lead Australian author Dr. Katarina Miljkovic, from Curtin University's Space Science and Technology Centre, said the research proved that two components of space weathering --electrons and thermal shock - were necessary to maintain supplies of water molecules on asteroids, rather than just one as previously thought.

"This complex process to regenerate surface water molecules could also be a possible mechanism to replenish water supplies on other airless bodies, such as the Moon," Dr. Miljkovic said. "This research finding has potentially significant implications because we all know the availability of water in the solar system is an extremely important element for habitability in space."

The NASA-funded project saw the team take a piece of Australia's own Murchison meteorite, which fell to Earth in Victoria 50 years ago, and simulate the weather conditions of an asteroid belt inside a specially built machine that mimics the conditions of an asteroid's surface.

The team then used energised electrons to simulate solar winds and lasers to mimic small meteoroids slamming into the asteroid, while monitoring water molecule levels at the surface.

Meteoroid impacts initiate the reaction, then solar winds blast the surface leaving unbonded oxygen and hydrogen atoms to bond, creating water.

Dr. Miljkovic's role as an impact expert, based in Curtin's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, was to validate the use of laser ablation as a substitute for micrometeoroid bombardment.

Research Report: "Regenerative Water Sources on Surfaces of Airless Bodies"

Related Links
Curtin University
Asteroid and Comet Mission News, Science and Technology

Tweet

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

paypal only

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal

Iron magma could explain Psyche's density puzzle
Tucson AZ (SPX) Sep 25, 2019
The metallic asteroid Psyche has mystified scientists because it is less dense than it should be. Now, a new theory by researchers including scientists at the University of Arizona could explain Psyche's low density and metallic surface. Psyche, the largest known metallic asteroid in the solar system, is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Psyche appears to be composed largely of iron and nickel, rather than rocky rubble, like most asteroids, yet its density is estimated to be o ... read more