16th Asteroid Discovery Could Make Everyone on Earth a Billionaire

NASA has launched a probe to explore an asteroid that could potentially make every person on Earth a billionaire. Asteroid 16 Psyche, which spans 173 miles across, is estimated to be worth an astounding $10 quintillion (10,000,000,000,000,000,000). It is believed to be rich in valuable metals such as gold, iron, and nickel.

First discovered 172 years ago by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis, it was the 16th asteroid to be identified, which is how it got its name.

Experts suggest that the asteroid holds so much wealth that, if it were brought to Earth, it could make every person on the planet wealthier by over $1.2 billion.

With a surface area of 64,000 square miles, the asteroid is largely composed of precious metals, which make up 30 to 60 percent of its mass. Its immense size means it contains vast amounts of material that could have a revolutionary impact on Earth.

To learn more about Psyche, NASA launched the Psyche spacecraft in October 2023. The spacecraft will travel 3.5 billion kilometers, with plans to reach the asteroid by August 2029.

Scientists believe that Psyche is the remaining core of a planet that was destroyed in a massive collision. Studying this asteroid will help NASA better understand the formation of Earth and other rocky planets.

In a recent study, scientists from the Southwest Research Institute, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, discovered hydrated minerals on Psyche’s surface. This suggests the presence of hydroxyl on the asteroid.

Psyche orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter, and in 2026, the spacecraft will fly by Mars to use its gravity to boost its speed, putting it on course to reach the asteroid.