NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the presence of hydroxyl molecules on the surface of the metallic asteroid Psyche.

The detection of hydroxyl indicates the presence of hydrated minerals, suggesting that Psyche has a complex geological history.

The study found variability in hydration across Psyche's surface, indicating a heterogeneous distribution of hydrated minerals likely caused by impacts from hydrated carbonaceous chondrite asteroids.

If the hydration is endogenous, it could imply that Psyche did not originate as a remnant core of a protoplanet but may have formed beyond the 'snow line' before migrating.

The Psyche mission is led by Arizona State University, with mission management and navigation overseen by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The Psyche spacecraft was launched on October 13, 2023, and is expected to reach the asteroid in August 2029 after traveling 2.2 billion miles.

Lead author Dr. Stephanie Jarmak emphasized that understanding asteroid compositions, especially M-class asteroids, is crucial for interpreting solar system evolution.

Understanding asteroid compositions aids in learning about material distribution in the solar nebula and could inform the search for potential life in other solar systems, as water is essential for life.

Psyche, measuring approximately 140 miles in diameter, is one of the largest objects in the main asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter.

Research led by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will provide complementary information to the Psyche spacecraft's objectives.

The data suggests that Psyche may have native water or hydroxyl on its surface, challenging existing models of its formation.