One cannot talk about asteroids without mentioning Bennu, a giant that, without a doubt, It is a celestial body of enormous importance today. It has more than 500 meters in diameter with a mass greater than expected. Therefore, it is one of the most powerful asteroids that lie close to Earth.
Its discovery dates back to 1999 in Socorro, United States, by a specialized group dedicated to the investigation of these enigmatic beings. Initially, the asteroid was designated by another name, but thanks to a curious anecdote, he was nicknamed Bennu. Since then, it has been the subject of multiple explorations by NASA and the like.
Depending on their outcome, major revelations may come to the fore regarding the asteroid and other aspects of the Solar System. Hence the importance of its constant study.
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Do you want to know more about Bennu? Know everything that is known so far!
Source: National Geographic
All asteroids are strictly studied by the NASA for various reasons, being its potential impact hazard, one of them. But in the case of Bennu, there is a dynamic that goes beyond that simple premise.
In 2019, it was found that this huge asteroid is older than previously thought. Thanks to this new data, the entire body of investigations came to the conclusion that it is a potential target that could provide information. about the origins of the system in which the Earth inhabits.
As already mentioned, Bennu is over 500 meters in diameter. In addition, it rotates around its own axis approximately every 4 hours. While, a little more than 1 year it takes to go around the Sun.
For those who love the topic of comparisons, imagine the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building. Both buildings are relatively insignificant when contrasted with the asteroid. Have you got the idea?
Investigating more about it, this giant space rock lives in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is estimated that every 6 years, its closest approach to Earth's orbit occurs, an event that generates great expectations. Although there is no apparent risk, it continues to represent a palpable and constantly monitored threat. Additionally, it's important to note that other asteroids have been studied, such as the one that could impact Earth in 2020.
Based on these and other reasons, in 2016 the OSIRIS-REx space probe was launched with the aim of landing on the asteroid. Its design will allow the collection of samples from the surface in favor of revealing new enigmas in relation to this mysterious, dark, distant and admirable sidereal entity.
Asteroid Bennu Vs. OSIRIS-REx: The most awaited encounter
The OSIRIS-REx space probe has a key objective that will set the course for future experiments and research. Its success must be resounding to give rise to new theories or realities that lay the foundation for the origin of the Solar System.
Since its deployment in September 2016, it took a little over two years for the probe to reach its primary destination. It was not until December 2018 when he established his first distant contact, in order to capture accurate images of the asteroid Bennu.
One of the most amazing discoveries was the presence of compacted water on the surface of the asteroid. The vast majority did not have this possibility, so the hypotheses and ideas framed regarding Bennu, took a tremendous turn.
The space probe must face the low gravity that this cosmic entity describes, becoming a real challenge. However, it is expected that promptly and coping with the work environment in the best way, the three main objectives to be carried out during the process will be fully met.
The first of these is to maintain a constant about its trajectory and its movements with respect to the Earth. Occupying a place within the group of potentially dangerous asteroids, outstanding foundations must be drawn that correctly clarify the behavior and composition of the asteroid Bennu.
Also, OSIRIS-REx will collect between 600 to 2000 grams of material, which will serve as a flag for the analysis of the age of the asteroid. As it is unknown exactly how long it is, these samples will help to reveal a figure that fits and serve as a guide to reinforce various approaches to the birth of the Solar System.
What is said about Bennu? Get the latest Bennu reviews
Photo courtesy: NASA
Since the existence of the asteroid was known, there are many nicknames that have been given to it until today. Among the multiple opinions about Bennu highlighted by the community, those lacking scientific bases stand out. An example of this is the one that considers the asteroid as the "rock of death", thanks to its proportions and its potential danger to the planet.
However, it is to be expected that NASA would quickly deny this kind of comment. It is proven that Bennu, despite being potentially threatening, it will not impact the Earth either now or in the near future.
For its part, now on the scientific and official side, the opinions regarding this galactic rock are varied, but with the same basis. Specialists from NASA and the IAC have stated that the composition and structure of Bennu is rich in primitive materials that they did not expect to find in the first place.
Regolith and another class of compounds with water and carbon are just some of the findings on the analyzed surface of the asteroid. Other opinions about Bennu assure that they are the type of asteroid that, initially, provided the Earth with water when they hit it at the dawn of the Solar System.
Similarly, experienced scientists in the field have argued that the net materials from Bennu are likely to be unknown and never processed. Thus, their relationship with the dawn of the Solar System is almost idyllic.
The OSIRIS REx space probe will return in 2023 with the collected. The uncertainty can be exorbitant for knowing what it brings. And you, will you be on the lookout for then?
