NEWS IN BRIEF

Asteroid light on metals

A team of geologists have endeavoured to recreate the surface regolith of asteroid 16 Psyche, finding it to be richer in metals than previously thought. As the asteroid is believed to be the remains of a failed planet, the finding could have implications for our understanding of planetary cores.

Space tourists to take off

Jeff Bezos, founder of spaceflight company Blue Origin, is set to fly on the first human test flight of the New Shepard spacecraft on 20 July, along with his brother Mark. A fellow space tourist bid $28 million for a third seat on the flight, which will transport the trio to the edge of space for just 11 minutes before returning to Earth.

Observatory destroyed

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory in Galloway Forest was extensively damaged by a fire in the early hours of 23 June. Police currently investigating the fire’s cause are treating it as suspicious, and are appealing to anyone who might have information on the incident to come forward.