SCIENCEglobal
This massive crater could expose the heart of a lost planet
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Updated 2 hours ago
First seen March 17, 2026 20:13:49Stay on top of this story
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Quick Summary
A mysterious metal-rich asteroid called Psyche has been baffling scientists for over two centuries, and its true origin remains one of the biggest unanswered questions in planetary science. Is it the exposed core of a failed planet, or a chaotic mix of rock and metal forged through countless violent collisions? To find out, researchers simulated how a massive crater near Psyche’s north pole formed, revealing that the asteroid’s internal “porosity” — how much empty space it contains — may hold the key to its secrets.