wateryasteroid

Astronomers from the University of Warwick have found that planetary bodies, including asteroids and comets, containing large amounts of water and transport the fluid to other planetary systems, similarly to what may have happened on Earth.

Using the William Herschel Telescope in the Canary Islands, the team spotted large amounts of hydrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere of a white dwarf called SDSS J1242+5226.

They believe that a water-rich exo-asteroid might have disrupted and eventually delivered the water onto the star.

The findings further support the possibility that water can be delivered to Earth-like planets through such bodies, to create an environment suitable for life.

University of Warwick astronomy and astrophysics group lead researcher Dr Roberto Raddi said: "Our research has found that, rather than being unique, water-rich asteroids similar to those found in our solar system appear to be frequent.

"Our research has found that, rather than being unique, water-rich asteroids similar to those found in our solar system appear to be frequent."

"Accordingly, many planets may have contained a volume of water, comparable to that contained in the Earth."

Comparable in size to Ceres, the new asteroid measured at 900km across, and is said to be the largest asteroid in the solar system.

Raddi added: "The amount of water found SDSS J1242+5226 is equivalent to 30-35% of the oceans on Earth."

The team said that the impact of water-rich asteroids on a planet results in mixing of hydrogen and oxygen into the atmosphere. These elements were found in excess on SDSS J1242+5226.

Titled ‘Likely detection of water-rich asteroid debris in a metal-polluted white dwarf’, the research was published in the Royal Astronomical Society by Oxford University Press.

Image: Researchers found large amounts of hydrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere of a white dwarf. Photo: courtesy of University of Warwick.