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A NASA probe called Osiris-Rex approaches the asteroid Bennu, considered the most dangerous for the Earth, writes The Guardian.
The probe is expected to enter the orbit of the asteroid until December 31st. No ship has ever turned around such a small space object, he writes.
Bennu is in the form of a diamond 500 meters in diameter. The asteroid must overtake the Earth in about 150 years. "If it comes into contact with the Earth, Benn will probably create a crater on the planet," writes The Guardian.
Osiris-Rex has to collect dust and gravel samples from an asteroid. The probe is expected to return to the ground in September 2023. Scientists hope, through these studies, to learn about the source of water in the solar system and the origin of the organic molecules that have emerged.
NASA pointed out that she had already received samples of comet dust, but never samples of asteroids. The agency added that contact with Bennu would not substantially alter his orbits and would not make the asteroid more dangerous for the Earth.
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