C-type asteroid Archives

Scanning electron micrograph of the number 15 grain of sample plate C0105-042 from Ryugu, in which djerfisherite was discovered. (Hiroshima University/Masaaki Miyahara).

Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Meteorites & Asteroids, Missions & Hardware, Press Release

An Unexpected Mineral Discovered In A Grain Of Asteroid Ryugu

by Keith CowingJuly 3, 2025July 3, 2025

The pristine samples from asteroid Ryugu returned by the Hayabusa2 mission on December 6, 2020, have been vital to improving our understanding of primitive asteroids and the formation of the […]

The crystal structure of nickeloan boussingaultite from Orgueil. Isolated octahedra [(Mg,Ni)(H2O)6] 2+ (turquoise), sulfate tetrahedra, (SO4) 2- (yellow) and ammonium tetrahedra, NH4 + (small blue) cross-linked by a network of hydrogen bonds (dashed lines). -- astro-ph.EP

Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Meteorites & Asteroids, Status Report

Meteoritic Tutton Salt, A Naturally Inspired Reservoir Of Cometary And Asteroidal Ammonium

by Keith CowingAugust 3, 2024August 3, 2024

The lack of benchmark data on the real minerals, native ammonium carriers in Solar System gives rise to controversial opinions on extraterrestrial ammonium reservoirs.