Scientists at the Southwest Research Institute have been using the Hubble Space Telescope to observe a massive asteroid known as 16 Psyche. They recently published a study in the Planetary Science Journal to summarize their findings.

16 Psyche captured their attention for several reasons. First, it’s one of the largest objects in the massive asteroid belt that orbits between the planets Mars and Jupiter. It appears to be made mostly of metal. It also captured their attention because its metals are valued at $10 quintillion (10 followed by 18 zeros) which exceeds the value of the entire world economy of Earth. Lead author Tracy Becker said "We’ve seen meteorites that are mostly metal. But Psyche could be unique in that it might be an asteroid that is totally made of iron and nickel.”

What makes Psyche and the other asteroids so interesting is that they’re considered to be the building blocks of the solar system. To understand what really makes up a planet and to potentially see the inside of a planet is fascinating. NASA is planning an unmanned mission to study 16 Psyche. Launch is planned for 2022, and the spacecraft should arrive at Psyche’s orbit by 2026.

Possible Preaching Angle:

We are valuable precisely because we are so rare. Each one of us is a unique bearer of God's image, and therefore, of incomparable value. There has never been a you before you, and there never will ever again. You are a one-in-a-universe masterpiece.