Science / Space
Hera returns first close-up view of Didymos asteroid system
ESA plans further images as the mission investigates the aftermath of NASA’s DART impact.
Status: source-checked.
According to ESA, the European Space Agency said Thursday that its Hera spacecraft obtained its first close-up image of the Didymos binary asteroid system. The image was taken from 60 kilometers away by the spacecraft’s Asteroid Framing Camera.
The larger asteroid, Didymos, is clearly visible while much of the smaller Dimorphos lies in shadow. ESA said the view shows the side of Didymos opposite the one seen by NASA’s DART spacecraft before its 2022 impact on Dimorphos.
Hera’s investigation is intended to improve understanding of asteroid deflection by impact. ESA said detailed images of both asteroids will be unveiled Nov. 25; the initial view does not settle which surface features came from material ejected by DART.
What we know / what we don't
What we know
- According to ESA, the European Space Agency said Thursday that its Hera spacecraft obtained its first close-up image of the Didymos binary asteroid system. The image was taken from 60 kilometers away by the spacecraft’s Asteroid Framing Camera.
- The larger asteroid, Didymos, is clearly visible while much of the smaller Dimorphos lies in shadow. ESA said the view shows the side of Didymos opposite the one seen by NASA’s DART spacecraft before its 2022 impact on Dimorphos.
- Hera’s investigation is intended to improve understanding of asteroid deflection by impact. ESA said detailed images of both asteroids will be unveiled Nov. 25; the initial view does not settle which surface features came from material ejected by DART.
What we don't know
- The origin of apparent surface changes remains under investigation.
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