Scientists have discovered signs of organic chemicals in asteroid samples retrieved by NASA, a finding that may indicate fundamental components of life were circulated throughout the solar system.
The OSIRIS-REx probe, launched by NASA in 2016, retrieved dust, soil, and rock samples from the asteroid Bennu, and brought them back to Earth in 2023.
It was discovered that the samples comprised thousands of organic compounds, including amino acids—key components essential for the formation of proteins on our planet.
While researchers found no actual life forms on the asteroid, these findings further substantiate the theory that life might exist beyond our solar system.
The research also implies that the likelihood of life arising on other planets within our solar system might be greater than initially believed.
"The OSIRIS-REx mission is currently rewriting the textbook on the fundamental components that are thought to be essential for the emergence of life in our solar system," Nicky Fox, the associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stated on Wednesday.
(QG - NBC News / Picture: Unsplash)
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