James Webb Telescope Sheds Light on Asteroid Origins
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery: its latest data reveals that asteroids Bennu and Ryugu may have originated from the same massive parent body. These two space rocks, already famous for being visited by sample-return missions, could hold vital clues to the early solar system. 
New Insights into Our Solar System’s History
Scientists have long debated the origins of Bennu and Ryugu. Webb’s infrared observations reveal strong similarities in their composition, suggesting they once formed part of a single gigantic space rock. Over time, collisions or gravitational forces likely broke this parent asteroid apart, sending fragments like Bennu and Ryugu on separate journeys. This discovery not only links these two asteroids, but also helps researchers understand how our solar system evolved.
The findings could help explain the formation of other asteroids and even planets. As research continues, we may learn even more about the shared history of objects in our solar neighborhood.
Sources: Live Science
