An asteroid sample reveals more about the origin of life

It is possible that asteroids “made a decisive contribution” to the emergence of life on Earth. This is shown through studies of samples from the asteroid Ryugu.

MUNICH – Science has long been interested in the question of how life arose on our planet. New findings from an international team of researchers suggest that asteroids may have played an important role. These conclusions are based on samples collected by the Japanese spacecraft “Hayabusa 2” on the asteroid Ryugu and returned to Earth.

The Japanese space agency JAXA sent Hayabusa 2 on a mission to the asteroid Ryugu. Ryugu is a near-Earth Apollo-type asteroid discovered in 1999 that has an orbit around the Sun similar to Earth. The probe collected surface samples and dust samples, and they were safely returned to Earth in 2020. Since then, these samples have been analyzed by different teams to learn more about the asteroid and its history.

Researchers find 'building blocks of life' on asteroid Ryugu

Scientists were able to detect aqueous compounds such as magnesium, ammonium, and phosphorus in asteroid samples using X-ray spectrometry and other examination methods. This result suggests that asteroids like Ryugu consist not only of elements and organic compounds, but also of moist compounds that could serve as building blocks for life on Earth.

The researchers decided that these grains must have come from deep space beyond Jupiter, because if they had formed near the sun, they would have evaporated. The discovery of ammonium in particular is of great importance because it can produce both hydrogen and nitrogen when it decomposes. These elements are necessary for the formation of amino acids and other biomolecules.

Asteroids like Ryugu may have brought life to Earth

In hers in Nature astronomy Published study “These phosphorus-rich grains (…) may have played an important role in submergence in primitive terrestrial water reservoirs,” write the researchers. They refer to these grains as “HAMP” (an acronym for “Hydrated Ammonium, Magnesium and Phosphorous.” – Rich Composition).) The study continues: “HAMP” grains may have contributed significantly to the reaction pathways of organic matter toward biochemical evolution. (unpaid bill)