Scientists recently made a surprising discovery about microbial life on a rock retrieved from the asteroid Ryugu by Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft. The rock, which was brought back to Earth in 2020, was found to be crawling with bacteria. However, further analysis revealed that the bacteria most likely originated from Earth, rather than being extraterrestrial in nature.
The rock sample, weighing 0.2 ounces (5.4 grams), was carefully examined by researchers after being stored in a vacuum room and nitrogen-filled containers to prevent contamination. Despite these precautions, one sample of the rock, which was studied at Imperial College London, was found to have filamentous microorganisms on its surface that closely resembled terrestrial bacteria.
This discovery raises questions about the potential for terrestrial contamination in samples retrieved from space. While the presence of microorganisms in meteorites has been used as evidence for extraterrestrial life, the findings from the Ryugu rock suggest that caution must be taken when interpreting such results.
Previous analyses of meteorites found on Earth have shown that some contain the essential building blocks for organic life. The Hayabusa2 mission aimed to shed light on the origins of life on Earth by examining samples from the asteroid Ryugu. While the presence of amino acids and nucleobases in the samples was promising, the discovery of Earth-like bacteria on one sample indicates that contamination may have occurred.
Despite this setback, the researchers believe that the study highlights the adaptability of microbes and the need for stringent decontamination procedures when handling space samples. The presence of terrestrial microorganisms on the Ryugu rock underscores the ability of microbes to colonize diverse environments and consume organic material.
In conclusion, while the Ryugu rock may not provide definitive insights into the asteroid’s surface, it serves as a reminder of the challenges of studying extraterrestrial samples. The presence of Earth-like bacteria on the rock demonstrates the importance of rigorous contamination controls in space exploration. This discovery adds to our understanding of microbial life’s resilience and adaptability, regardless of the environment.
Ben Turner, a staff writer at Live Science, covers physics and astronomy topics. With a background in particle physics and journalism, he brings a unique perspective to his writing. In his free time, Ben enjoys reading, playing the guitar, and playing chess.
