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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
7 injured as Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derails in Odisha
Cuttack (PTI): Seven people were injured as an express train derailed in Odisha's Cuttack district on Sunday, officials said. Eleven coaches of the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed at Nirgundi near Manguli at 11.54 am, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the East Coast Railway Ashok Kumar Mishra said.
Odisha Fire Service Director-General Sudhansu Sarangi said seven injured people have been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. "The maximum number of injured persons should not be more than 10," he said. Personnel of the NDRF and Odisha Fire Service were assisting the railway in the rescue operation, he added.
The train was heading to Kamakhya station in Assam's Guwahati from Bengaluru. Mishra said a relief train has been sent to the spot.
"Arrangements are being made to help the affected passengers reach their destinations. Our priority is to restore the line at the earliest and accordingly, other trains will be diverted," he said.
Three trains were diverted because of the derailment. These trains are Dhauli Express, Neelachal Express and Purulia Express, officials said.
Helplines -- 8455885999 and 8991124238 -- have also been activated by the railways, they said.
