NASA examines the metallic nature of asteroid Psyche

Using telescopes, researchers at the Southwest Research Institute Examine asteroid Psyche in infrared lightIt provides data for NASA’s next expedition.

Stephanie Jarmak Uses the James Webb Space Telescope to search for traces of water on Psyche’s metallic exteriorDr. Anicia Arredondo analyzes the latest data from the Stratospheric Infrared Astronomy Observatory (SOFIA) to analyze the changes on the asteroid.

Psyche is about 140 miles in diameter and is among the largest creatures in the primary asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. Previous studies show that it is a compa objectcto, predominantly metallicThe remnant of the core of an incompletely formed planet.

The Psyche probe is expected to be sent on October 5. It traveled 3.5 billion kilometers until it reached the asteroid in August 2029. Dr. from SwRI Department of Space Sciences. According to Tracy Becker, the SwRI-led research will examine the astronomical object with multiple spectra of infrared light, providing information that complements the data already collected.

Psyche’s nature remains somewhat mysterious. Some previous information inconsistencies that ariseSuch as changes in surface composition and possible signs of hydration in the near-infrared spectrum.

Jarmak commented: “Our goal is to confirm the presence of water on Psyche through our work with JWST. Examining the 3 and 6 micron wavelength fields will reveal whether the hydration exists as hydroxyl or actual water. If we cannot detect it, it It is consistent with the belief that Psyche is predominantly metallic.“

One of the reasons why Psyche is so fascinating is that our Earth is believed to have a metallic core. However, since it is hidden between the mantle and crust layers, it prevents direct examination.

Arredondo noted: “We used SOFIA to observe the asteroid in infrared as it rotated to see if Psyche was the remaining core of a different asteroid or protoplanet. If so, Multiple collisions may have removed outer layersonly exposing the metal core. These collisions can also cause variations. “However, the data points to a metallic Psyche with minimal variations, especially in the mid-infrared spectrum.”

Although metallic asteroids are rare in our solar system, scientists believe Psyche may provide a unique view inside a planet. Although unique, it can also reveal unexpected discoveries that could change our understanding of the formation of celestial bodies.

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