Visible, near‐, and thermal infrared spectra of asteroid Bennu samples: Relationship to and implications for remote sensing of carbonaceous asteroids

Journal article

Remote spectroscopy is used to characterize the mineralogy and infer the history of planetary bodies. Carbonaceous asteroids, such as B‐type (101955) Bennu, represent the earliest stages of planet formation. B types have a blue (negative) spectral slope and comprise <5% of asteroids. Samples from Bennu returned by the OSIRIS‐REx spacecraft complement remote observations of this rare population. We show here, using laboratory spectra that are directly comparable to spacecraft data, that OSIRIS‐REx accurately determined Bennu's dust content and most of its surface composition. However, spectra of the asteroid exhibit stronger water absorptions than those of bulk samples, possibly due to hydrous, Mg‐rich phosphate or solar wind implantation at Bennu's uppermost surface. Bennu samples spectrally resemble the most aqueously altered carbonaceous meteorites and samples of (162173) Ryugu, indicating similarly pervasive aqueous alteration. However, one carbon‐enriched Bennu stone does not appear to have a spectral analog among Ryugu samples or meteorites. Our findings demonstrate the leverage obtained using a wide range of wavelengths and that sample analysis anchors the interpretations of remote sensing, leading to more robust characterization of planetary surface composition and evolution.

Authors: Hamilton, VE; Cloutis, EA; Milliken, RE; Haenecour, P; Golish, DR

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Meteoritics & Planetary Science
• Article number: maps.70176
• Publication date: 2026-06-05
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-18
• DOI: 10.1111/maps.70176
• EISSN: 1945-5100
• ISSN: 1086-9379
• Language: English