The possibility that life on Earth originated from materials brought by extraterrestrial visitors has long intrigued scientists and researchers. Recently, valuable specimens retrieved from the asteroid Ryugu by Japan’s space probe shed new light on our planet’s extraterrestrial origins, offering insights into the emergence of life as we know it. Published in the journal Nature Astronomy by an international research team led by the University of Hawaii (USA) and Kyoto University (Japan), this groundbreaking discovery unveils compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis of extraterrestrial contributions to the ingredients essential for life on Earth and all living organisms.
Exploring the Extraterrestrial Connection: According to SciTech Daily, compounds such as nitrogen, including ammonium salts, are abundant in materials found in regions far from the Sun. However, the mechanism of their transportation to our planet remains poorly understood. Ryugu, a near-Earth asteroid, presents an opportunity to investigate this phenomenon.
Using electron microscopy, the research team observed that the surface of Ryugu samples was covered with extremely tiny mineral grains, including iron and nitrogen compounds in the form of iron nitride (Fe4N).
Professor Toru Matsumoto from Kyoto University, the study’s lead author, suggested that micrometeoroids containing ammonia compounds collided with Ryugu, initiating chemical reactions with the asteroid’s primitive surface rich in iron oxide magnetite, resulting in the formation of Fe4N.
Thus, micrometeoroids are likely the source of nitrogen supply to regions where our simple, primitive planet resided.
Nitrogen compounds are crucial building blocks for life, as nitrogen is a fundamental element commonly found in organic compounds. However, other elements, such as carbon and phosphorus, which have also been demonstrated to be delivered by space rocks, are essential for actual life.
Therefore, it can be inferred that the origins of modern-day organisms lie in the rich assortment of extraterrestrial fragments.
Seeding Life on Earth: When seeded into a world possessing suitable conditions—such as a stable environment, abundant water, moderate temperature, and protection from cosmic rays—the reactions leading to the emergence of life begin to unfold.
The revelation that extraterrestrial materials brought by asteroids like Ryugu may have played a pivotal role in the emergence of life on Earth opens up new avenues for understanding our planet’s origins. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of our cosmic heritage, we gain a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of the universe and the remarkable journey that has led to the diverse array of life forms that inhabit our planet today.
