New study suggests organic molecules on Ceres came from Asteroids, not volcanoes
Recent findings from NASA's Dawn spacecraft have led scientists to reconsider how organic molecules ended up on the dwarf planet Ceres. Previously, it was believed that cryovolcanic activity—volcanoes that erupt icy materials—in Ceres' interior brought these organic compounds to the surface. However, new research from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Germany suggests a different origin.
The study indicates that organic molecules on Ceres were likely deposited by asteroid impacts rather than being formed internally through volcanic processes. By analyzing spectral imaging data from the Dawn spacecraft, scientists mapped areas rich in organic materials and found they were not located near cryovolcanic sites.
Ranjan Sarkar, a scientist involved in the study, pointed out that these organic deposits are rare and not linked to volcanic features, challenging the earlier belief that volcanoes were responsible for bringing organic materials to the surface.
Further analysis suggests that slow-moving asteroids from the outer asteroid belt could be the source of these organic compounds. Due to their low impact speeds, the heat generated during collisions is insufficient to destroy the organic molecules, allowing them to remain on Ceres' surface.
Martin Hoffmann, another researcher at MPS, highlighted that there is no evidence of volcanic or tectonic activity in the areas where these organic compounds are found. This supports the theory that the organic materials were delivered from space by asteroid impacts rather than from within the planet itself.
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French President Macron concludes Mumbai visit
Mumbai (PTI): French President Emmanuel Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, left Mumbai for New Delhi on Wednesday after concluding his engagements here, including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They were seen off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
On Tuesday, Macron held discussions with Modi as part of efforts to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
During the Mumbai visit, the French president and his wife also met some of India's top filmmakers and actors, and had an animated exchange with them about cinema, culture and collaboration.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in the national capital Delhi, besides the bilateral summit in Mumbai.
PM Modi will inaugurate the summit on February 19. As many as 20 heads of states, including French President Macron, will be present at the inaugural session, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
