AI Study Finds Organic Molecules on Ceres Likely Came from Asteroid Impacts
The presence of organic molecules on the dwarf planet Ceres has been reassessed using AI analysis of data gathered by NASA’s Dawn spacecraft. Scientists have mapped regions rich in these compounds to determine whether they originated within Ceres or were delivered from external sources. Previously, it was believed that cryovolcanic activity on Ceres transported these molecules from beneath the surface. However, recent findings indicate that these organics were likely deposited by asteroid impacts rather than being internally generated.
Organic Deposits Mapped with AI Analysis
According to the study conducted, AI-driven analysis of Dawn’s data has provided a comprehensive map of organic-rich areas on Ceres. The research was conducted by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Germany. Spectral imaging data showed that these organic deposits were not associated with sites of cryovolcanism. Ranjan Sarkar, a scientist involved in the study, said that sites of such organic molecules are actually rare on Ceres, and devoid of any cryovolcanic signatures. This challenges previous assumptions that cryovolcanic activity was responsible for bringing organic material to the surface.
Asteroids from the Outer Belt as a Possible Source
As reported, the study suggests that organic compounds on Ceres were likely delivered by low-velocity asteroid impacts. Simulations indicate that asteroids from the outer asteroid belt frequently collide with Ceres, but their relatively slow speeds prevent organic materials from being destroyed by heat. Martin Hoffmann, a researcher at MPS, explained to Nature Astronomy that “at none of the deposits do we find evidence of current or past volcanic or tectonic activity: no trenches, canyons, volcanic domes or vents.” This reinforces the idea that these molecules arrived externally rather than being produced within Ceres.
The findings support the possibility that organic molecules were present in the outer solar system early in its history and may have later been transported to inner planets, playing a role in the development of life on Earth.
For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.
Related Stories
A burial site in northwestern China has revealed a woman’s remains with an unusual feature—her teeth were painted with cinnabar, a toxic red mineral composed of mercury and sulfur. The grave, dated between 2,200 and 2,050 years ago, was found in Turpan City, Xinjiang, along a major Silk Road trade route. Archaeologists identified the remains as belonging to the Gushi people, known for their equestrian culture. The significance of cinnabar-stained teeth in ancient societies has not been previously documented.
First Recorded Case of Cinnabar on Teeth
According to a study published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, this is the first known instance of cinnabar being applied to human teeth. Qian Wang, professor of biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, told Live Science that no other ancient burial worldwide has exhibited this practice. The analysis of the red pigment, conducted through spectroscopy methods, confirmed the presence of cinnabar mixed with an animal protein, possibly egg yolk or egg white, to facilitate application.
Possible Cultural and Ritualistic Significance
The purpose behind the red pigment remains unclear. Experts suggest connections to cosmetic practices, social status, or shamanistic rituals. Other burials in the region have shown evidence of facial paintings and tattoos, indicating the possibility of broader body adornment traditions. The Xinjiang region does not have natural cinnabar deposits, implying that the substance was imported, possibly from West Asia, Europe, or other parts of China.
Health Risks of Cinnabar Exposure
Li Sun, professor of geology at Collin College, noted the potential health risks associated with cinnabar use. Mercury exposure is linked to neurological damage, yet no traces of mercury poisoning were detected in the woman’s bones. The frequency and duration of exposure remain uncertain.
For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports12 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway