Studies of asteroid 162173 Ryugu have revealed the presence of all nucleobases that make up DNA and RNA. This discovery strengthens the hypothesis that asteroids could have delivered key components necessary for the emergence of life to early Earth.

The Origin of Life and the Role of Celestial Bodies

One of the main scientific questions remains the origin of life on Earth. A widely held view is that life arose as a result of chemical evolution. There is also the possibility that asteroids and comets brought organic molecules, including nucleobases, to Earth. This suggests that the basic materials for genetics can naturally form in space.

Characteristics of Asteroid Ryugu

Asteroid 162173 Ryugu belongs to the class of carbon-rich objects, containing abundant carbon, water-bearing minerals, and organic compounds. It is considered primitive and has a spinning-top shape. Ryugu is thought to have formed from fragments of a larger asteroid. To study it, the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 was launched in 2014 with the mission to collect samples from the asteroid's surface and return them to Earth. Analysis of these samples confirmed the presence of uracil.

New Discoveries

Recent research has made it possible to detect all nucleobases used in DNA and RNA on Ryugu. Similar results were obtained from asteroid 101955 Bennu, indicating that these molecules are widespread in space. Additionally, ammonia was found in the samples.

The Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of nucleobases on asteroids does not prove the existence of life in space, but it does confirm that the ingredients necessary for life can form beyond Earth.