Story perspectives

Asteroid 16 Psyche May Harbor Ancient Ferrovolcanic Vents

10/14/2025

27 2

Summary

Story summary

The asteroid 16 Psyche may have vents that released molten metal, akin to ferrovolcanism.
The theory was first proposed in 2019.
During Psyche's formation, the metallic core solidified from the outside in, creating pressure that could drive ferrovolcanism.
Researchers modeled Psyche's composition and found mesosiderite is likely abundant.
The asteroid reflects about a third of sunlight, suggesting it is the exposed iron-rich core of a planetary building block.

1 of 1

Story summary

The asteroid 16 Psyche may have vents that released molten metal, akin to ferrovolcanism.
The theory was first proposed in 2019.
During Psyche's formation, the metallic core solidified from the outside in, creating pressure that could drive ferrovolcanism.
Researchers modeled Psyche's composition and found mesosiderite is likely abundant.
The asteroid reflects about a third of sunlight, suggesting it is the exposed iron-rich core of a planetary building block.