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Asteroids Bennu and Ryugu Share Common Parent, Study Finds

8/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Data from the James Webb Space Telescope indicates asteroids Bennu and Ryugu may originate from a common parent asteroid, Polana.
A study by Southwest Research Institute found spectral similarities among the three asteroids, supporting this theory.
Researchers suggest they share a common origin due to similar core elements, despite compositional differences.
Bennu and Ryugu's proximity to the Sun affects their surfaces, while Polana is older and more impacted by micrometeoroids.

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Story summary

Data from the James Webb Space Telescope indicates asteroids Bennu and Ryugu may originate from a common parent asteroid, Polana.
A study by Southwest Research Institute found spectral similarities among the three asteroids, supporting this theory.
Researchers suggest they share a common origin due to similar core elements, despite compositional differences.
Bennu and Ryugu's proximity to the Sun affects their surfaces, while Polana is older and more impacted by micrometeoroids.