It's Time to Visit an Asteroid!

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission aims to collect samples from asteroid Bennu to study the origins of life on Earth. Bennu was chosen for its proximity, size, and composition. The mission will use advanced instruments to map and analyze the asteroid. The sample collection will involve a brief contact with Bennu, using nitrogen gas to gather material. The mission will return samples to Earth in 2023, contributing to our understanding of the solar system's formation. SciShow plans to expand its channels with support from Patreon.

What is the primary goal of the OSIRIS-REx mission?

• To explore the surface of Mars

• To collect samples from Asteroid Bennu

• To study the rings of Saturn

• To observe the moons of Jupiter

Why was Asteroid Bennu chosen for the OSIRIS-REx mission?

• It is the largest asteroid in the solar system

• It has a unique orbit that takes it far from Earth

• It is rich in carbon and organic materials

• It is the closest asteroid to the sun

What is the purpose of the OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite?

• To communicate with other spacecraft

• To map the surface of Bennu

• To capture images of Earth

• To measure the temperature of the sun

Which instrument on OSIRIS-REx is designed by students from MIT and Harvard?

• The Visible and Infrared Spectrometer

• The Laser Altimeter

• The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer

• The Regolith X-ray Imaging System (REXIS)

How does OSIRIS-REx collect samples from Bennu?

• By using a magnetic field to attract particles

• By landing and drilling into the surface

• By capturing dust with a net

• By using a mechanical arm to touch the surface

What will happen to the samples once they return to Earth?

• They will be displayed in a museum

• They will be shared with other space agencies

• They will be sent back to Bennu

• They will be used to build a new spacecraft

What new SciShow channels are being considered for creation?

• SciShow Music, SciShow Literature, SciShow Sports

• SciShow Technology, SciShow History, SciShow Art

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