Close-up images of Ryugu, a near-Earth asteroid and the target of the Hayabusa2 sample return mission, reveal a rocky, dustless world that may have formed from a giant collision.
asteroids
Posted inEditors' Highlights
On the Prospect of Ancient Metallic Volcanism on Asteroids
There is a possibility of ancient volcanism on metallic asteroids, a new type of volcanism that is not yet observed, though the Psyche mission to the asteroid Psyche may change that soon.
Posted inGeoFIZZ
Metal Asteroid Inspires Works of Art
Student artists explore a mysterious metallic world through acrylic, ceramic, LEDs, and even string.
Posted inNews
First Analysis of Asteroid Water Reveals Earth-Like Makeup
Samples returned from the surface of an asteroid show that these small bodies may have more water than previously thought and could have delivered that water to Earth.
Posted inNews
Asteroid Visited by Mission Spews Rocks into Space
Mission scientists observed 11 separate particle ejection events in a 1-month period. They are still trying to figure out what could be causing the particle plumes.
Posted inNews
All About Bennu: A Rubble Pile with a Lot of Surprises
Asteroid Bennu has been under close scrutiny since December. Here are six key results from the first few months of data from OSIRIS-REx.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Scientists, Explorers Keen to Locate Water-Bearing Asteroids
Hydrated minerals on near-Earth asteroids offer both scientific revelations and economic incentives for companies looking to refuel satellites with material from nearby space.
Posted inNews
A Target Before Shooting Ryugu
The asteroid’s rough surface surprised Hayabusa2’s mission scientists. So they pulled out their spare gun and shot an “asteroid” at home first.
Posted inNews
Asteroid Mission Attempts Touchdown, Sample Grab
Hayabusa2 will fire a metal bullet into the asteroid surface to eject material that will then be collected. The mission will return the samples to Earth in late 2020.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How Long Can Celestial Bodies Retain Ice?
A new model suggests that many objects in the outer asteroid belt may still harbor deposits that formed around the time of their accretion.