A molecule in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, where a capsule that seems to contain the asteroid sand of the Japanese spacecraft "Hayabusa2" is supposed to analyze the sand before it arrives in Japan on the morning of the 8th. Researchers at the Institute for Molecular Science say, "I am very excited and excited to handle things that humankind has never handled."
Assistant Professor Takuji Daito of the Institute for Molecular Science in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, is conducting research to examine tiny substances with a microscope using powerful X-rays, and this time it seems that it is contained in the capsule of "Hayabusa2". It is supposed to analyze the sand that is produced.
As a member of the analysis team for about five years, we have been preparing to investigate the molecular structure of organic matter contained in the rocks of "Ryugu", and to observe it in a state close to space without breaking small samples and without touching the air. , We have developed a new device.
In addition, we repeatedly confirm the analysis procedure using meteorites in Antarctica.
The analysis is scheduled for next summer, and Mr. Daito says, "I'm really looking forward to dealing with things that humanity has never dealt with, and I'm very excited to see what I can see from there." I did.