Researchers found water on the surface of two asteroids using data from an outdated NASA mission

The researchers used the data NASA mission According to a study, the detection of water on the surface of two asteroids has already been completed Southwest Research Institute. Thanks to this discovery Laboratory for Stratospheric Infrared AstronomyA joint project of the US Space Agency and scientists German Space Agency Inside TLR.

Previously, scientists had detected some form of hydrogen in these asteroids, but could not distinguish between water and its close chemical cousin, hydroxyl. Study led Anisia Arredondo, focused on four asteroids rich in silicate, a material that includes silicon and oxygen among other molecules. this, Both had molecular water on their surface.

These findings reveal how materials in space were distributed and evolved over time.. “Meteorites are remnants of the planet-forming process, so their composition varies depending on where they form in the solar nebula,” he explained. Arredondo In an article Journal of Planetary Science Quoted CBS News.

The discovery not only sheds light on how common water is on Earth, but may help scientists understand how this liquid is distributed in other solar systems. This way, May indicate where to look for other life forms in space. “Finding water molecules in asteroids will help scientists understand how common water is on Earth,” he commented. Arredondo.

Additionally, the study compared these findings with previous findings in surface water the moon, found that hydrogen molecules were “trapped in a cubic meter of soil spread across the lunar surface” and “were chemically bound to minerals.” The “The abundance of water found on asteroids is consistent with water found on the Moon”, which suggests that it may be associated with asteroids and minerals or other materials in our natural satellite.

He said the research will continue to expand with plans to study 30 more targets to “increase our understanding of water distribution in the Solar System.” Arredondo. Team will use The James Webb Space Telescope Probing some of these targets could reveal more about the mysteries of water in space.

The significance of these findings is not only in the scientific understanding of water distribution in our solar system, And its implications for the search for life beyond Earth.