About our Asteroid Bennu news
Latest news on asteroid Bennu, including NASA's OSIRIS-REx sample analysis revealing organic molecules and building blocks of life in materials returned from space.
Asteroid 101955 Bennu, a near-Earth object discovered in 1999, has become one of the most studied celestial bodies in recent years. With a diameter of approximately 490 metres, this potentially hazardous asteroid has captured scientific attention due to its proximity to Earth and its rich composition of carbon-based materials.
Recent analysis of samples returned by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission in September 2023 has revealed groundbreaking discoveries. In January 2025, scientists announced the presence of various organic compounds in the samples, including 14 amino acids essential for life and all five nucleobases found in DNA and RNA. The mission successfully collected over 120 grams of material, more than double the intended amount, providing researchers with abundant material for continued study.
The exploration of Bennu represents a remarkable achievement in international scientific collaboration. Teams across multiple countries are studying the samples, with portions being displayed at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC and at scientific conferences worldwide. These studies are helping scientists understand not only the composition of asteroids but also the potential origins of life in our solar system.
Named after an ancient Egyptian deity associated with the Sun and creation, Bennu has been under close observation since its discovery. The asteroid's surface features, all named after mythical birds and bird-like creatures, have revealed fascinating characteristics, including the presence of hydrated minerals and carbon-rich compounds. Detailed radar and spectroscopic observations have shown that Bennu is an active asteroid, occasionally ejecting particles into space.
Following this mission's success, continued coverage of Bennu remains crucial as scientists uncover new insights about our cosmic neighbourhood. The asteroid's orbit brings it close to Earth every six years, with a notable approach expected in 2035, and studies indicate a small but notable chance of impact in the late 22nd century. Stay informed about the latest discoveries and analyses through Â鶹´«Ã½'s comprehensive coverage of this fascinating celestial object.