Asteroid Ryugu Samples Show Earthly Bacteria, 20,000 Molecules, 15 Amino Acids

Nov 26, 2024, 09:16 AM

Scientists analyzing samples from the asteroid Ryugu, brought back by Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft in 2020, have identified traces of Earthly bacteria, likely due to contamination. The findings caution against premature claims of alien life. The samples also provide significant insights into the formation of the solar system and the origins of Earth's water. Researchers detected 20,000 types of organic molecules, including 15 amino acids, which are fundamental building blocks for life. “It’s just everything possible from which life could emerge,” said organic geoscientist Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin. These discoveries highlight the asteroid's potential to shed light on the chemical precursors of life on Earth.