Uncovering the asteroid’s origin could show us how planets form
The asteroid Psyche has a surprisingly diverse landscape, according to a new set of maps that give a more detailed view of its surface than ever before. They were created ahead of a mission to explore the asteroid up close, also called Psyche, which is due to launch later this year.
The asteroid Psyche is believed to have originated in the core of an infant planet that was later destroyed, and as such it gives a glimpse at part of a planet usually hidden from view. It is rich in metals, but these new maps show there are also several rocky areas – most likely originating from the mantle – and large depressions filled with sand.
“It’s an evolved surface and these maps confirm that metal-rich asteroids are interesting, enigmatic worlds,” says Saverio Cambioni from MIT, who led the study. “It’s another reason to look forward to the Psyche mission going to the asteroid.” psyche.asu.edu/