An exciting discovery has been made by astronomers regarding the role of asteroids that collided with the dwarf planet Ceres in the formation of organic molecules on the planet's surface.
Previous research had identified the existence of these molecules near a 51.4-kilometer-wide impact crater on Ceres, but their origin remained a puzzling enigma.
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To solve this mystery, scientists conducted a series of experiments simulating the expected impact conditions on Ceres. The results allowed for a more detailed mapping of areas rich in organic compounds.
(Image: disclosure)
The analysis revealed that these molecules are mainly concentrated near areas with older asteroid impacts. This indicates that these collisions, over billions of years, played a crucial role in the distribution and abundance of these substances.
Juan Rizos, an astrophysicist at the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia, Spain, and co-author of the study, emphasized that organic products may be more widespread than initially reported.
Furthermore, the astrophysicist also explained that they seem to be quite resistant to impacts in conditions similar to those on the planet.
Although the precise origin of these organic compounds remains an enigma, the evidence provided by research strongly suggests that they formed in Ceres, possibly in the presence of water.
This discovery raises the exciting possibility of a large internal reservoir of organic matter within Ceres. According to Rizos, this increases the astrobiological potential of the dwarf planet.
Meanwhile, the Lucy probe, from NASA, has ambitious plans to explore ten Trojan asteroids, which could provide crucial clues about the formation of the Solar System and its stars, including Earth.
Comparing the data collected by the Lucy mission with the information obtained by the Dawn probe will help scientists to deepen their understanding of the distribution of organic molecules in the Solar System exterior.
These findings, presented during the GSA Connects 2023 conference hosted by the Geological Society of America, reinforce the importance of investigating organic compounds on celestial bodies and their potential significance in the search for life beyond from the earth.
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