Blog & News
Stay updated on the latest Bennu research, mission developments, and cosmic discoveries. New articles as peer-reviewed science emerges.
NASA Solves Bennu's Rocky Surface Mystery — Boulders Are Riddled with Cracks
X-ray CT scans of OSIRIS-REx samples reveal that Bennu's boulders contain extensive internal fracture networks, finally explaining why this boulder-covered asteroid has surprisingly low thermal inertia.
First-Ever Extraterrestrial Glucose and RNA Sugar Ribose Found in Bennu Sample
A Nature Geoscience study confirms ribose and, in a world first, glucose in Bennu—expanding our understanding of prebiotic chemistry and revealing Bennu as the most complete record of life's chemical origins anywhere in the solar system.
Amino Acids in Bennu Formed in Space Ice, Not Warm Water — A Major Rethink
A landmark Penn State study reveals that several amino acids in Bennu formed in frozen, radiation-exposed ice rather than warm liquid water, dramatically expanding our understanding of where life's building blocks come from.
Presolar Dust Reveals Ancient Cosmic Origins
New analysis of Bennu samples reveals the presence of presolar dust grains—material that predates our solar system by billions of years. These pristine particles offer a window into the chemistry of dying stars.
Hydrothermal Systems in Bennu's Parent Body: New Insights
Detailed laboratory analysis of Bennu samples suggests the asteroid's parent body harbored a water-rich interior with aqueous alteration. Evidence points to early solar system hydrothermal circulation—a process potentially conducive to complex chemistry.
Breaking: Amino Acids Confirmed in Bennu Samples
Scientists analyzing the OSIRIS-REx samples have confirmed the presence of multiple amino acids—building blocks of proteins—in Bennu material. This discovery strengthens the case that asteroids delivered life's chemistry to early Earth.
Water Found in Bennu: Evidence of an Ancient Ocean World
Hydrated minerals in the Bennu samples reveal that the asteroid's parent body harbored liquid water in the early solar system. This discovery has major implications for understanding where life's ingredients come from.
OSIRIS-APEX on Track for Asteroid Apophis 2029 Encounter
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, now designated OSIRIS-APEX, is on course for a close encounter with asteroid Apophis in April 2029. The mission promises unprecedented observations of another near-Earth asteroid.
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