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Washington. The surface of the asteroid Bennu resembles a sloping slope. This is visible on NASA's images of the space probe "Osiris Rex". Bennu is littered with rocks many of which are over one meter in diameter. In seven research articles from the "Nature" group, scientists presented new information about Bennu, including close-up shots.
It also shows how Bennu actively ejects particles in space. "This is one of the biggest surprises of my scientific career," said Dante Lauretta, project manager at the University of Arizona. According to the research team, some particles gravitate around the asteroid before returning to its surface. After about two years and over 650 million kilometers traveled, "Osiris Rex" arrived on the asteroid in early December. On a costly mission worth about $ 1 billion, NASA scientists hope to learn more about the formation of our solar system.
One of the most dangerous asteroids currently known
The many rocks make it more difficult to take Bennu soil samples. The probe must approach the asteroid so that it can absorb samples. Originally, it was necessary to find a place where there is no obstacle on a diameter of 50 meters. The researchers abandoned this plan because of the presence of a rocky subsoil and are looking for a smaller area. In 2023, a capsule must return to the ground with the sample.
The deep black asteroid could get closer to the Earth in over 150 years. Although the risk of impact is very low, NASA Bennu is one of the most dangerous asteroids known to date. (apa, dpa)
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