Asteroid Fragment Reveals a Strange Mineral Never Seen on Earth | AI News Digest
Researchers have discovered a unique mineral, hydrated ammonium magnesium phosphorus (HAMP), in samples from the asteroid Ryugu, which were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 mission. This mineral, not found on Earth, is similar to struvite, a substance linked to biological processes. The findings, published in Geosciences, suggest that extraterrestrial materials may have played a role in the origins of life on our planet. The analysis of the asteroid's grains reveals a rich diversity of minerals, providing insights into the early Solar System. This research highlights the importance of preserving rare samples for future scientific exploration.
