Proof that vents ejecting metal resulted in Psyche’s metallic glow encompasses metal streams — similar to lava flows on Earth — only observable via close-range imagery from NASA’s Psyche endeavor.(Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU)
The asteroid referred to as Psyche may once have featured vents releasing molten metal — though solely if its chemical composition mirrors that of atypical, metal-abundant meteorites, according to a fresh study. This analysis, available online since July 31 within the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, might shed light on the reason behind the space rock’s extraordinary metallic facade.
Potato-shaped asteroid Psyche, residing in the main asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter, holds the distinction of possessing a notably shiny surface. Radar data implies its surface, on average, reflects almost a third of the solar light impacting it, rendering it at a minimum twice as reflective compared to most asteroids.
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Nevertheless, this radiance may only penetrate the surface. In 2020, computations integrating revised approximations of Psyche’s mass and volume indicated the asteroid’s density lay somewhere between 231 lbs per cubic foot (3,700 kilograms per cubic meter) and 256 lbs/cubic foot (4,100 kg/cubic meter). While more dense than the majority of asteroids, this figure is roughly half the anticipated density assuming Psyche solely comprised of iron and nickel. When paired with data regarding surface heat emission, this suggested Psyche primarily consists of non-metallic bulk, yet probably features a metal-enriched layer.
Experts remain unsure regarding the acquisition of this coating by Psyche. Despite numerous potential reasons, ferrovolcanism remains the prevalent theory. “Ferrovolcanism mirrors conventional volcanism excluding that the ‘lava’ takes the form of molten metal as opposed to molten rock,” Courville, who was not part of the latest research, mentioned.
A cutaway view of the internal structure of one of the study’s models. Channels (yellow lines) transport molten metal from the core (yellow) through the porous mantle (in orange) to the surface.
Initially suggested back in 2019, the concept proposes that during Psyche’s earliest stages, its metallic center ossified from the outer regions inwards, with the molten core progressively accumulating lighter elements. Density variations between the core’s sturdy exterior and its molten interior likely produced ample pressure enabling the latter to permeate the encompassing mantle in addition to the asteroid’s surface, thereby spawning vents discharging molten metal.
Ferrovolcanism, however, mandates specific chemical compositions given its heavy reliance on pressure accumulation within the inner core. Data collected from meteorites — extraterrestrial rocks descending upon Earth’s surface — assist in defining the boundaries for these chemical combinations.
For the purpose of ascertaining the chemistry potentially conducive to Psyche’s metal-ejecting vents, the authors behind the new investigation — Jaap Jorritsma, a Ph.D. candidate at Delft University of Technology, alongside Win van Westrenen, a professor specializing in earth sciences at Vrije University based in Amsterdam — fashioned computer simulations modeling the asteroid.
The simulation hypothesized the asteroid as exhibiting a chemical makeup comparable to one out of three meteorite categories: EH-chondrites (infrequent, stony meteorites void of iron), H-chondrites (prevalent, stony meteorites presenting moderate iron quantities), and mesosiderites (rare, iron-dense meteorites). Following this characterization, simulations ensued to pinpoint which chemical arrangement favored ferrovolcanism the most.
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The investigators deduced Psyche’s bulk must demonstrate richness in metals, namely iron, considering reduced iron concentrations yield miniature cores unable to generate sufficient internal pressure for magma expulsion. Resultingly, ferrovolcanism exhibited peak likelihood in Psyche contingent on encompassing significant mesosiderite proportions. H-chondrites could likewise induce molten metal ejections, yet solely when characterized by relatively amplified density. Conversely, EH-chondrites merely yielded small cores void of iron-abundant exteriors, undermining their likelihood as Psyche components.
Researchers anticipate data procured through NASA’s active Psyche initiative shall substantiate their conclusions. Slated for Psyche arrival by July 2029, the spacecraft shall allocate a two-year duration to photograph the asteroid and gather spectroscopic insights. Courville posited such depictions shall uncover if surface metal materializes as extensive outcrops or streaming flows, suggestive of past ferrovolcanism in the space rock.
Deepa JainLive Science contributor
Deepa Jain serves as a freelance science journalist situated in Bengaluru, India. Academically, she holds a master’s degree in biology conferred by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, along with near-completion of a bachelor’s degree focusing on archaeology from the University of Leicester, UK. She derives enjoyment from authoring content pertaining to astronomy, the natural realm, and archaeology.
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