4.5 billion-year-old asteroid sample “Bennu” now on display at Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center to NASA Johnson Space Center, has unveiled a new exhibit featuring a sample of asteroid “Bennu,” estimated to be 4.5 billion years old.

The exhibit, located in the venue’s main plaza, showcases a sample collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which commenced its seven-year mission to the asteroid.

These samples aim to provide valuable insights into the formation of planets and enhance understanding of asteroids that may pose a threat to Earth. William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston, emphasized the significance of the mission in unraveling the mysteries of the solar system.

The spacecraft exceeded expectations by capturing an unprecedented amount of material, which will serve as a scientific treasure for researchers and astronomers.

Space Center Houston stands as one of only three cultural institutions in the U.S. with a cosmic relic like asteroid Bennu.

In addition to this latest exhibit, the center boasts over 400 other space-related artifacts and educational experiences for visitors to explore.