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Lucy Spacecraft Captures Images of Oddly Shaped Asteroid During Flyby
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Lucy mission has transmitted images from its recent asteroid flyby, revealing a peculiar and elongated space rock. The newly released photographs showcase the asteroid’s irregular form, described as resembling a lumpy shape, offering scientists valuable insights into these celestial bodies.
Successful Asteroid Encounter Serves as Test for Future Missions
The space agency published the imagery on Monday, following Sunday’s close approach to the asteroid. This flyby was planned as a crucial preparation exercise for Lucy’s upcoming, more significant asteroid encounters closer to the planet Jupiter. The mission aims to study distant asteroids to understand more about the solar system’s early formation.
Unexpected Size and Shape of Asteroid Donaldjohanson
Scientists were surprised to find that the asteroid is larger than initially estimated. It measures approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) in length and 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) in width at its broadest point, presenting an unusual, bowling pin-like shape. Due to its considerable length, the Lucy spacecraft was unable to fully capture the asteroid in a single frame within the initially downloaded images.
Further Data Analysis to Refine Asteroid Shape Understanding
NASA indicated that additional data expected to be received over the coming week should provide a clearer understanding of the asteroid’s complete shape and dimensions. This information will be vital for refining models and planning future observations.
Donaldjohanson Flyby Location and Mission Context
The Lucy spacecraft successfully navigated within 600 miles (960 kilometers) of the asteroid Donaldjohanson on Sunday. This harmless asteroid resides within the main asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. It is named in honor of the paleontologist renowned for discovering the fossil “Lucy” in Ethiopia five decades ago.
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Lucy Mission Objectives: Exploring Trojan Asteroids Near Jupiter
Launched in 2021, the Lucy spacecraft’s primary mission is to investigate the Trojan asteroids, a group of space rocks located near Jupiter that remain largely unexplored. The ambitious mission schedule includes eight planned flybys of Trojan asteroids through 2033, promising a wealth of scientific discoveries. These encounters are expected to provide unprecedented data on the composition and history of these ancient celestial bodies.