Psyche, largest metallic asteroid in solar system contains water
Q. Scientists detected the presence of water on which largest metallic asteroid?- Published on 08 Nov 16a. Psycho
b. Psych
c. Psychic
d. Psyche
ANSWER: Psyche
Scientists have discovered the
presence of water on Psyche the largest metallic asteroid within the solar system and the target of the proposed NASA mission.
- Earlier observations of the asteroid showed no such evidence of water rich minerals on the surface.
- New observations from NASA infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii show evidence of water or hydroxyl on the surface.
- Though the source of these molecules on Psyche are a mystery, scientists propose few possible mechanisms for formation.
- Water rich minerals detected on Psyche may have been delivered by carbonaceous asteroids of impacted metallic asteroid in the not so recent past.
- Psyche is 300 m across and is made of pure nickel iron metal.
- Located in the asteroid belt, it is the core of the budding planet destroyed by impact billions of years ago.
