NASA releases first photos and findings from Bennu asteroid sample
NASA has lifted the lid on its first findings about the Bennu sample, one of the "most hazardous known asteroids". The highly-anticipated sample from the OSIRIS-REx’s mission took seven years to complete and finally made a safe landing on Sunday 24 September. Scientists audibly gasped upon opening the capsule. They kept details to a minimum and maintained a slow pace in progress for "good reason," as they received more material than expected. "The abundance of material found when the science canister lid was removed earlier this week has meant that the process of disassembling the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) head – which holds the bulk of material from the asteroid – is off to a methodical start," they said a the time. That was until now... On Wednesday 11 October, the space agency shared details for the first time from NASA experts and the University of Arizona. NASA said there were signs of water and carbon on the sample through hydrated clay minerals that contain carbon. "At nearly 5% carbon by weight, carbon being the central element of life, far exceeding our goal of 60g, this is the biggest carbon-rich asteroid sample ever returned to earth," Administrator Bill Nelson said, adding that it was "exactly the kind of material that we wanted to find." He went on to suggest that "they are going to help us determine the origin of elements that could have led to life" and provide a greater understanding of how to protect Earth from asteroids. Scientists also revealed that the sample contained space dust from asteroid Bennu. NASA showed the audience the sample on a video to protect the sample and to prevent contamination. Speaking about working through a glove box to analyse the sample, Francis McCubbin, astronomical curator at NASA's Johnson Space Centre said: "[It is] "hard, challenging work, and it does not go quickly, but we need to do this right". The samples will be preserved so that "scientists that aren't even born yet are going to have the opportunity to answer questions about our universe with these samples using technology that has not even been invented." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-10-11 23:50
Where is Lil Tay now? Rapper, 14, confirms she is not dead, says her Instagram account was hacked to spread 'rumors'
'My Instagram account was compromised by a third party and used to spread jarring misinformation and rumors regarding me,' wrote Lil Tay
2023-08-11 03:09
US pledges to help Australia manufacture guided missiles by 2025
The United States says it will expand its military industrial base by helping Australia manufacture guided missiles and rockets for both countries within two years
2023-07-29 19:07
Bitcoin Miner Marathon’s Quarterly Loss Narrows, Revenue Jumps
Marathon Digital Holdings Inc.’s second-quarter loss narrowed and revenue jumped as the Bitcoin miner increased sales of the
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Yankees manager Aaron Boone puts on show after getting ejected for 6th time this season
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the most of his AL-leading sixth ejection this season during a 5-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox
2023-08-08 12:23
MLB cancels 2025 Paris games after failing to find promoter, AP sources say
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Bengals stir rivalry pot with Joe Burrow contract news drop in middle of Chiefs opener
The Cincinnati Bengals announced a record contract extension for quarterback Joe Burrow in the middle of the Kansas City Chiefs opening game.
2023-09-08 08:43
There is a secret tunnel at Glastonbury that runs right through the middle of the festival
Glastonbury is back in full swing, and while the weather wasn't off to a great start as anticipated, lucky festival-goers didn't let it dampen their spirits. The likes of Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Rey and Lizzo are set to head to the stage during the unmissable weekend. There is one thing, however, that many of the 200,000 revellers may unintentionally miss: A secret underground tunnel. That's right. There is a mysterious tunnel that connects the Greenpeace Field and the Green Futures area that runs below the old railway line through the middle of the site. The tunnel is often decorated with lights, glass and installations. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter That's not all... According to Somerset Live, there's another hidden gem tucked away at Glasto. Above the highest point of the festival area is Strummerville, an area to relax and unwind next to a 24-hour campfire and sofas. The area is often filled with live acoustic performances too. Not to mention, a 'hidden oasis' which is said to double up as a secret nudist area at Glastonbury. Tucked away from the crowds, this area has been a part of the festival for years and features a sauna, massage parlour and a cafe. Described as "a festival within a festival," Lost Horizons offers a "truly unique" experience. "Our Solar Stage offers a range of entertainment throughout the day, with an assortment of musical styles. You could be easing into the morning with acoustic and folk vibes and jump-start your afternoon with some reggae, swing and gypsy jazz," their site reads. "Some of the best musicians on the festival circuit have played often promoting and joining in with the naturist theme." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-06-22 23:26
Several Moscow Buildings Damaged in Drone Attack, Mayor Says
Several residential buildings were damaged as a result of a Tuesday morning drone attack on Moscow, the city’s
2023-05-30 12:58
Yerry Mina’s last-gasp equaliser at Wolves gives Everton hope of survival
Yerry Mina’s last-gasp leveller at Wolves earned Everton a priceless point in their fight for Premier League survival. The defender struck with seconds left to grab a 1-1 draw to give the Toffees hope after Hwang Hee-chan had given Wolves a first-half lead. Their 69-year stay in the top flight remains in doubt and Sean Dyche’s side could still find themselves in the drop zone before next week’s finale. Leeds go to West Ham on Sunday before Leicester’s trip to Newcastle on Monday and victory for both would lift them above Everton. As it is, they sit two points above the Premier League’s bottom three ahead of the visit of Bournemouth next Sunday. Dyche had told his players to ignore the noise but they struggled for long spells and again lost Dominic Calvert-Lewin to injury. It will spawn a nervous Goodison Park, which saw its last relegation from the top flight in 1951. Wolves’ own season of struggle – they were bottom at Christmas – will ultimately end in mid-table comfort, mainly thanks to what stands as seven home wins from 10 games since the turn of the year. Julen Lopetegui had stressed the importance of the Premier League’s integrity, insisting his team would not roll over with matters at the bottom to be settled. It was, though, understandable that Everton made the better start as Calvert-Lewin brushed the side-netting before nodding Alex Iwobi’s cross over. The Toffees needed that urgency and, against a Wolves side containing six changes, they were the aggressors, although they lost Nathan Patterson to injury after 29 minutes. Mina headed over after Daniel Bentley missed a corner and Everton were on top only to be caught on the break for the opener after 34 minutes. The visitors were pressing on the edge of Wolves’ box but Abdoulaye Doucoure’s loose pass fell to Adama Traore who turned on the afterburners. The forward launched into an unstoppable 70-yard dash, brushing off Amadou Onana, and when his shot was saved by Jordan Pickford, Hwang stroked in the rebound. It was harsh on Everton but it got worse in first-half stoppage time when Calvert-Lewin, who came off in last week’s defeat to Manchester City with a groin problem, limped off. Demarai Gray replaced him but there was no focal point and any second-half response was limited. Gray highlighted their lack of presence up front when his wicked cross through the six-yard box was missed by everyone. Wolves had slowly gained control and Pablo Sarabia curled wide before Daniel Podence volleyed off target. A wayward Iwobi strike was all Everton could muster until Bentley pushed Gray’s drive behind with 21 minutes left but, as time began to run out, there were few signs of a recovery. Iwobi’s shot deflected wide and the Toffees needed Pickford to deny Matheus Nunes late on. But they snatched an unlikely point in the ninth minute of stoppage time when Mina bundled in from close range following Michael Keane’s knockback. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Callum McGregor rescues point for Celtic from dramatic draw with St Mirren Joel Ward’s late equaliser earns Crystal Palace draw with Fulham Casemiro goal puts Manchester United on verge of Champions League qualification
2023-05-21 00:18
Trump to seek new judge in election conspiracy trial
Former US president Donald Trump said Sunday he will petition to have a different judge oversee his historic criminal trial and for the case to...
2023-08-07 09:33
France unveils new, more ambitious emissions-cutting plan
The French government unveiled a plan on Monday to accelerate cuts to its greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a reduction of 50 percent by...
2023-05-22 23:42
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