Asteroids are small rocky bodies that travel around the Sun. They are much smaller than planets. They are very important because they can give us clues about the early composition of the Solar System. Unlike planets and moons which have changed a lot due to volcanic activity, erosion or earthquakes many asteroids have stayed the same for billions of years. By examining them scientists can learn about the original materials that formed planets, including Earth and how our Solar System has changed over time.&nbsp;Some asteroids like Ceres, are so large that they are classified as dwarf planets. Asteroids are usually grouped into three main types based on what they are made of: C-type, S-type and M-type.&nbsp;C-type Asteroids (Carbon-rich)C-type asteroids are the most common asteriods and are dark in color and contain clay, silicate rocks and organic carbon while some also have water ice. These asteroids are mostly found in the outer part of the asteroid belt. A well-known C-type asteroid is Bennu, which was studied by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission.&nbsp;S-type Asteroids (Stony)S-type asteroids are the second most common type. They are made mostly of rock and metals like nickel and iron. These materials are similar to what is found in the crust and mantle of Earth and other rocky planets. Most S-types are found in the inner part of the asteroid belt. A famous example is Eros, one of the largest asteroid near earth.&nbsp;M-type Asteroids (Metal-rich)M-type asteroids are mostly made of iron and nickel. Some may be pieces of larger bodies that were broken apart in early space collisions. Others may have formed closer to the Sun where high heat caused metal to melt and settle in the center. These asteroids are believed to be the source of metallic meteorites. One important M-type asteroid is Psyche, which NASA is currently exploring with a space mission to learn more about its origin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asteroids are usually grouped into three main types based on what they are made of: C-type, S-type and M-type.

Asteroids are small rocky bodies that travel around the Sun. They are much smaller than planets. They are very important because they can give us clues about the early composition of the Solar System. Unlike planets and moons which have changed a lot due to volcanic activity, erosion or earthquakes many asteroids have stayed the same for billions of years. By examining them scientists can learn about the original materials that formed planets, including Earth and how our Solar System has changed over time. Some asteroids like Ceres, are so large that they are classified as dwarf planets. Asteroids are usually grouped into three main types based on what they are made of: C-type, S-type and M-type. C-type Asteroids (Carbon-rich) C-type asteroids are the most common asteriods and are dark in color and contain clay, silicate rocks and organic carbon while some also have water ice. These asteroids are mostly found in the outer part of the asteroid belt. A well-known C-type asteroid is Bennu, which was studied by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. S-type Asteroids (Stony) S-type asteroids are the second most common type. They are made mostly of rock and metals like nickel and iron. These materials are similar to what is found in the crust and mantle of Earth and other rocky planets. Most S-types are found in the inner part of the asteroid belt. A famous example is Eros, one of the largest asteroid near earth. M-type Asteroids (Metal-rich) M-type asteroids are mostly made of iron and nickel. Some may be pieces of larger bodies that were broken apart in early space collisions. Others may have formed closer to the Sun where high heat caused metal to melt and settle in the center. These asteroids are believed to be the source of metallic meteorites. One important M-type asteroid is Psyche, which NASA is currently exploring with a space mission to learn more about its origin.

Asteroids are usually grouped into three main types based on what they are made of: C-type, S-type and M-type.

What are asteroids really made of: Rocks, metals or something more?

NASA has sent a probe to an asteroid that could make everyone on Earth a billionaire. Asteroid 16 Psyche is 173-mile wide and is estimated to be worth $10,000,000,000,000,000,000, or 10 quintillion. It is reported to be full of precious metals, like gold, iron, and nickel.

The asteroid was discovered 172 years ago by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis. It was the 16th asteroid discovered by humans, and so was assigned the number 16 which reflects in its name.&nbsp;

Experts say that the asteroid harbours so many valuable items that if brought to Earth, it can make each person on the planet richer by $1,246,105,919.&nbsp;

Scientists say that the asteroid stretches 173 miles at its widest point, with 64,000 square miles of total surface area. Nearly 30 to 60 per cent of its form is estimated to be made up of these precious metals. Considering the size of the asteroid, it is home to a huge cache of objects that can transform the world.

To learn more about the asteroid, NASA launched the Psyche spacecraft in October 2023. It needs to travel 3.5 billion kilometres to reach the asteroid, a target set for August 2029.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/huge-sunspot-will-soon-face-earth-and-spew-flares-towards-us-is-that-a-danger-777687">Huge sunspot will soon face Earth and spew flares towards us. Is that a danger?</a>

<h2>Core of a planet that exploded after a collision</h2>

The metallic celestial object is believed to be the remnant core of a planet that likely witnesses a catastrophic collision. Using data from it, NASA aims to understand more about the formation of Earth and other similar rocky or terrestrial planets.

Earlier this year, a study conducted by a team of scientists from the Southwest Research Institute found that Psyche hydrated minerals on its surface. The data collected by the James Webb telescope was used to analyse the space rock and points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche.&nbsp;

The space rock is orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. This will put the spacecraft in direct contact with the red planet in 2026. The Psyche spacecraft will come within the gravitational pull of Mars around May 2026. It will use its pull to dramatically increase its velocity and eventually reach the asteroid.

NASA has sent a probe to an asteroid that could make everyone on Earth a billionaire. Asteroid 16 Psyche is 173-mile wide and is estimated to be worth $10,000,000,000,000,000,000, or 10 quintillion.

NASA has sent a probe to an asteroid that could make everyone on Earth a billionaire. Asteroid 16 Psyche is 173-mile wide and is estimated to be worth $10,000,000,000,000,000,000, or 10 quintillion. It is reported to be full of precious metals, like gold, iron, and nickel. The asteroid was discovered 172 years ago by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis. It was the 16th asteroid discovered by humans, and so was assigned the number 16 which reflects in its name. Experts say that the asteroid harbours so many valuable items that if brought to Earth, it can make each person on the planet richer by $1,246,105,919. Scientists say that the asteroid stretches 173 miles at its widest point, with 64,000 square miles of total surface area. Nearly 30 to 60 per cent of its form is estimated to be made up of these precious metals. Considering the size of the asteroid, it is home to a huge cache of objects that can transform the world. To learn more about the asteroid, NASA launched the Psyche spacecraft in October 2023. It needs to travel 3.5 billion kilometres to reach the asteroid, a target set for August 2029. Also Read: Huge sunspot will soon face Earth and spew flares towards us. Is that a danger? Core of a planet that exploded after a collision The metallic celestial object is believed to be the remnant core of a planet that likely witnesses a catastrophic collision. Using data from it, NASA aims to understand more about the formation of Earth and other similar rocky or terrestrial planets. Earlier this year, a study conducted by a team of scientists from the Southwest Research Institute found that Psyche hydrated minerals on its surface. The data collected by the James Webb telescope was used to analyse the space rock and points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche. The space rock is orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. This will put the spacecraft in direct contact with the red planet in 2026. The Psyche spacecraft will come within the gravitational pull of Mars around May 2026. It will use its pull to dramatically increase its velocity and eventually reach the asteroid.

16th asteroid to be discovered by man can make everyone on Earth a billionaire

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface.

The existence of the hydrated minerals has shifted the spotlight on the history of the asteroid which has been orbiting the sun between planets Mars and Jupiter.

Asteroid Psyche, which is 140 miles in diameter, is one of the biggest space rocks in the main asteroid belt.&nbsp;

It is a dense and mostly metallic celestial object which is suspected to be the leftover core of some planet that may have gone through a catastrophic collision.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/esas-gaia-telescope-detects-352-asteroids-hovering-around-elusive-moons-749167">ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons</a>

&nbsp;The Psyche spacecraft was launched by NASA on October 13, 2023, and will cover 2.2 billion miles and reach the asteroid in August 2029.

Planetary Science Journal paper's second author Dr Tracy Becker said, "Using telescopes at different wavelengths of infrared light, the SwRI-led research will provide different but complementary information to what the Psyche spacecraft is designed to study."

"Our understanding of solar system evolution is closely tied to interpretations of asteroid composition, particularly the M-class asteroids that contain higher concentrations of metal," said Dr. Stephanie Jarmak, the lead author of the study.

"These asteroids were initially thought to be the exposed cores of differentiated planetesimals, a hypothesis based on their spectral similarity to iron meteorites," she added.

<h2>James Webb hints at presence of water on surface of asteroid Psyche</h2>

The data collected by the James Webb telescope points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche and also hints at the existence of water.&nbsp;

The hydrated minerals can come from external sources, which include impactors.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-finds-oceans-of-water-on-mars-deep-in-martian-crust-749924/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, if hydration is native to the asteroid then it will have a different evolutionary history in comparison to what current models suggest.

"Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the&nbsp;solar nebula," said co-author Dr. Anicia Arredondo&nbsp;

"Hydration that is endogenous could suggest that Psyche is not the remnant core of a protoplanet. Instead, it could suggest that Psyche originated beyond the 'snow line,' the minimum distance from the sun where protoplanetary disk temperatures are low enough for volatile compounds to condense into solids, before migrating to the outer main belt," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface.

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface. The existence of the hydrated minerals has shifted the spotlight on the history of the asteroid which has been orbiting the sun between planets Mars and Jupiter. Asteroid Psyche, which is 140 miles in diameter, is one of the biggest space rocks in the main asteroid belt. It is a dense and mostly metallic celestial object which is suspected to be the leftover core of some planet that may have gone through a catastrophic collision. Also Read: ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons The Psyche spacecraft was launched by NASA on October 13, 2023, and will cover 2.2 billion miles and reach the asteroid in August 2029. Planetary Science Journal paper's second author Dr Tracy Becker said, "Using telescopes at different wavelengths of infrared light, the SwRI-led research will provide different but complementary information to what the Psyche spacecraft is designed to study." "Our understanding of solar system evolution is closely tied to interpretations of asteroid composition, particularly the M-class asteroids that contain higher concentrations of metal," said Dr. Stephanie Jarmak, the lead author of the study. "These asteroids were initially thought to be the exposed cores of differentiated planetesimals, a hypothesis based on their spectral similarity to iron meteorites," she added. James Webb hints at presence of water on surface of asteroid Psyche The data collected by the James Webb telescope points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche and also hints at the existence of water. The hydrated minerals can come from external sources, which include impactors. Watch: NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust However, if hydration is native to the asteroid then it will have a different evolutionary history in comparison to what current models suggest. "Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the solar nebula," said co-author Dr. Anicia Arredondo "Hydration that is endogenous could suggest that Psyche is not the remnant core of a protoplanet. Instead, it could suggest that Psyche originated beyond the 'snow line,' the minimum distance from the sun where protoplanetary disk temperatures are low enough for volatile compounds to condense into solids, before migrating to the outer main belt," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Water on an asteroid? Scientists find hydration evidence on asteroid Psyche

The American space agency, NASA is planning to send a high-tech spacecraft called Psyche to an asteroid of the same name, 16 Psyche. It will be a first-of-its-kind mission to study a metal-rich asteroid, which aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies in our solar system.

The launch of the mission will take place on Thursday (Oct 12) when NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and travel 2.2 billion miles.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-star-vela-pulsar-emits-highest-energy-gamma-rays-643195">Dead star Vela Pulsar emits highest-energy gamma rays</a>

Here is everything to know about NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission:

<h2>Aim of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission</h2>

As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed. The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell.&nbsp;

So exploring Psyche could provide information into the history of violent collisions and accumulation of matter that created planets.&nbsp;

<h2>Psyche mission is a team effort of NASA and Arizona State University</h2>

The Psyche asteroid mission is a collaboration of NASA and Arizona State University (ASU). The principal investigator of the mission, Lindy Elkins Tanton, is based at ASU.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-europeans-creating-incredibly-sensitive-space-telescope-for-monitoring-cosmic-explosions-643135">China's 'incredibly sensitive' space telescope will monitor universe's most violent explosions</a>

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California is managing&nbsp;the mission for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, JPL is also responsible for system engineering, integration and test, and mission operations.

NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is managing launch operations and has procured&nbsp;the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

<h2>How to watch the launch of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission?</h2>

The mission websites nasa.gov/psyche and psyche.asu.edu will post official news about the spacecraft’s journey. NASA and ASU will also post regular social media updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. To watch the launch live, follow the link below-

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/npIDMxrzm_o?si=g1l_xln1MjWt6z8T" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>How Psyche’s study will be&nbsp;different from other objects&nbsp;in the solar system?</h2>

Other solar system bodies like Mars, Venus, and Earth are comprised of iron oxides but Psyche’s surface doesn’t seem to feature much of these chemical compounds. This suggests that the asteroid’s history differs from standard stories of planetary formation.

If the asteroid proves to be leftover core material from a planetary building block, scientists will learn how its history resembles and diverges from that of the rocky planets. And if scientists discover that Psyche is not an exposed core, it may prove to be a never-before-seen kind of primordial solar system object.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

The American space agency, NASA is planning to send a high-tech spacecraft called Psyche to an asteroid of the same name, 16 Psyche. It will be a first-of-its-kind mission to study a metal-rich asteroid, which aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies in our solar system.

The American space agency, NASA is planning to send a high-tech spacecraft called Psyche to an asteroid of the same name, 16 Psyche. It will be a first-of-its-kind mission to study a metal-rich asteroid, which aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies in our solar system. The launch of the mission will take place on Thursday (Oct 12) when NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and travel 2.2 billion miles. Also Read | Dead star Vela Pulsar emits highest-energy gamma rays Here is everything to know about NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission: Aim of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed. The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell. So exploring Psyche could provide information into the history of violent collisions and accumulation of matter that created planets. Psyche mission is a team effort of NASA and Arizona State University The Psyche asteroid mission is a collaboration of NASA and Arizona State University (ASU). The principal investigator of the mission, Lindy Elkins Tanton, is based at ASU. Also Read | China's 'incredibly sensitive' space telescope will monitor universe's most violent explosions NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California is managing the mission for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, JPL is also responsible for system engineering, integration and test, and mission operations. NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is managing launch operations and has procured the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. How to watch the launch of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission? The mission websites nasa.gov/psyche and psyche.asu.edu will post official news about the spacecraft’s journey. NASA and ASU will also post regular social media updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. To watch the launch live, follow the link below- × How Psyche’s study will be different from other objects in the solar system? Other solar system bodies like Mars, Venus, and Earth are comprised of iron oxides but Psyche’s surface doesn’t seem to feature much of these chemical compounds. This suggests that the asteroid’s history differs from standard stories of planetary formation. If the asteroid proves to be leftover core material from a planetary building block, scientists will learn how its history resembles and diverges from that of the rocky planets. And if scientists discover that Psyche is not an exposed core, it may prove to be a never-before-seen kind of primordial solar system object. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Psyche: NASA's mission to study metal-rich asteroid to launch on Oct 12 | All you need to know

NASA is going to launch a mission to what could almost be considered a journey to the centre of the Earth.&nbsp;

The US space agency's Psyche mission is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.&nbsp;

The spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-design-flying-saucer-that-can-levitate-on-moon-asteroids-441035" hreflang="en">Researchers design 'flying saucer' that can levitate on moon, asteroids</a>

Wall Street research firm Bernstein notes that a big asteroid called 16 Psyche, measuring some 200 km, may contain 17 million billion tones of nickel-iron, enough to satisfy mankind’s current demand for millions of years.

Deep within rocky, terrestrial planets, including Earth, scientists infer the presence of metallic cores, but these lie unreachably far below the planets' rocky mantles and crusts.&nbsp;

As we cannot see or measure Earth's core directly, Psyche offers a unique window into the violent history of collisions and accretion that created terrestrial planets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-hidden-passageway-beneath-panama-through-which-wind-from-earths-middle-layer-blows-440199" hreflang="en">Scientists discover hidden passageway beneath Panama through which wind from Earth's middle layer blows</a>

The Psyche spacecraft will give us more than a glimpse of our deep past; we could see the beginnings of our technological future.&nbsp;

Instead of traditional rocket fuel, Psyche will gradually build up speed using ion propulsion. Electricity from the space probe’s solar panels will power a new type of thruster, called a Hall thruster, for the first time in deep space.

Psyche will take a swing past Mars for a gravitational push during its 3.5-year cruise to the asteroid, then spend 21 months measuring and mapping, gradually tightening its orbit until it passes just above the surface.

The real value in asteroid mining is for further space travel, and so hydrogen and oxygen reserves are as attractive as any metal.

The energy released when hydrogen and oxygen combine to make water can power rockets. The presence of both elements in compounds found on asteroids offers scope to set up space factories to make fuel for missions to Mars and beyond as well as offering “pit stops” to extend the lives of satellites.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA is going to launch a mission to what could almost be considered a journey to the centre of the Earth. The US space agency's Psyche mission is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.

NASA is going to launch a mission to what could almost be considered a journey to the centre of the Earth. The US space agency's Psyche mission is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Also read | Researchers design 'flying saucer' that can levitate on moon, asteroids Wall Street research firm Bernstein notes that a big asteroid called 16 Psyche, measuring some 200 km, may contain 17 million billion tones of nickel-iron, enough to satisfy mankind’s current demand for millions of years. Deep within rocky, terrestrial planets, including Earth, scientists infer the presence of metallic cores, but these lie unreachably far below the planets' rocky mantles and crusts. As we cannot see or measure Earth's core directly, Psyche offers a unique window into the violent history of collisions and accretion that created terrestrial planets. Also read | Scientists discover hidden passageway beneath Panama through which wind from Earth's middle layer blows The Psyche spacecraft will give us more than a glimpse of our deep past; we could see the beginnings of our technological future. Instead of traditional rocket fuel, Psyche will gradually build up speed using ion propulsion. Electricity from the space probe’s solar panels will power a new type of thruster, called a Hall thruster, for the first time in deep space. Psyche will take a swing past Mars for a gravitational push during its 3.5-year cruise to the asteroid, then spend 21 months measuring and mapping, gradually tightening its orbit until it passes just above the surface. The real value in asteroid mining is for further space travel, and so hydrogen and oxygen reserves are as attractive as any metal. The energy released when hydrogen and oxygen combine to make water can power rockets. The presence of both elements in compounds found on asteroids offers scope to set up space factories to make fuel for missions to Mars and beyond as well as offering “pit stops” to extend the lives of satellites. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA to launch mission to massive, metal-rich asteroid called 'Psyche'

psyche-asteroid

Psyche Asteroid, News on Psyche Asteroid, stories on Psyche Asteroid, articles on Psyche Asteroid, Psyche Asteroid stories at Wion, Psyche Asteroid news, Psyche Asteroid latest news

psyche asteroid

What are asteroids really made of: Rocks, metals or something more?

16th asteroid to be discovered by man can make everyone on Earth a billionaire

Water on an asteroid? Scientists find hydration evidence on asteroid Psyche

Psyche: NASA's mission to study metal-rich asteroid to launch on Oct 12 | All you need to know

NASA to launch mission to massive, metal-rich asteroid called 'Psyche'