This Japanese Space Exploration Programme Explains Origins Of Water On Earth

Water, the lifeblood of our planet, constitutes 70 per cent of Earth’s surface, with the remaining 30 per cent comprising continents and countries. Oceans and seas, expansive bodies of water, host intricate aquatic ecosystems beneath their surfaces. But have you ever pondered the origin of Earth’s water and the formation of these vast bodies?

In the world of scientific discourse, diverse theories abound. Some experts propose that a substantial portion of Earth’s water arrived via meteorites, while others suggest that dry wood played a role in bringing water to the planet. Japan’s space exploration initiative sought answers to these questions, culminating in the six-year mission of the Hayabusa-2 space probe. Returning to Earth with 5.4 grams of dust and pebbles from the asteroid Ryugu, the spacecraft gave researchers valuable material for analysis.

A subsequent examination of these particles revealed the presence of amino acids, some of which might have originated in space. The implication is that asteroids like Ryugu could have served as water carriers to Earth. A study published in the Nature Astronomy Journal posits that C-type asteroids, rich in volatile and organic components, are likely the primary source of Earth’s water. The Ryugu particles, containing organic materials, support this hypothesis, suggesting the existence of these elements in the outer solar system during that era.

Contrary to ancient myths describing the oceans’ origins in various ways, scientific evidence points to the formation of seas roughly 100 billion years ago. Earth, initially a fiery sphere, gradually cooled over millions of years. Surrounding gas clouds cooled and thickened, leading to continuous, rain-inducing precipitation. Over thousands of years, this relentless rainfall filled depressions, giving rise to the formation of seas and oceans.

The exploration of space and the analysis of celestial bodies, such as the Ryugu asteroid, contribute valuable insights into the origin of Earth’s water. As science unravels these mysteries, the profound interplay of cosmic forces that shaped our planet’s landscape becomes increasingly clear.