Bennu Asteroid Sample signals Potential Fifth Force of Nature

The sample collected from the asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission is not only providing insights into the early solar system but is also being used to explore groundbreaking theories in physics. An international research team led by Los Alamos National Laboratory is analyzing the data gathered from Bennu’s trajectory to investigate the possible existence of a fifth fundamental force of nature. This research could potentially reshape our understanding of gravity, dark matter, and the Standard Model of physics.

The Significance of the Bennu Sample

Since its return to Earth, the 4.3-ounce (121.6-gram) sample from Bennu has revealed a wealth of information about the asteroid’s composition, including high carbon content and organic compounds essential for life. Initial studies have shown that Bennu may have originated from a water-rich environment, suggesting it could provide clues about the building blocks of life on Earth.

However, its significance extends beyond astrobiology; it is now being utilized to probe deeper questions about the fundamental forces that govern our universe. Researchers have been meticulously tracking Bennu’s trajectory since its discovery in 1999.

The data collected during this time has been instrumental in identifying anomalies that may indicate new physics beyond what is currently understood. Yu-Dai Tsai, lead author of a recent study, noted that these anomalies could offer insights into theoretical extensions of the Standard Model, particularly concerning gravity and dark matter.

Investigating a Fifth Force

The concept of a fifth force has intrigued physicists for years, as it could provide explanations for phenomena not accounted for by existing theories. By analyzing the trajectory data from Bennu, scientists aim to establish constraints on potential Yukawa-type fifth forces and explore their implications.

The presence of ultralight bosons—hypothetical particles that could mediate such a force—may also be inferred from altered orbits observed in asteroids like Bennu.

The team now intends to track the asteroid Apophis, which will be 20,000 miles from Earth in 2029.

The asteroid will be visited by NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX probe, which will dive in its direction and stir up rocks and dust. By examining how Earth’s gravity affects Apophis, the hunt for fifth-force physics will continue.