Asteroid (25143) Itokawa seen in close-up

This very detailed view shows the strange peanut-shaped asteroid Itokawa. By making exquisitely precise timing measurements using ESO’s New Technology Telescope a team of astronomers has found that different parts of this asteroid have different densities. As well as revealing secrets about the asteroid’s formation, finding out what lies below the surface of asteroids may also shed light on what happens when bodies collide in the Solar System, and provide clues about how planets form.

This picture comes from the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa during its close approach in 2005.

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O zdjęciu

Identyfikator:eso1405b
Typ:Planetarny
Data publikacji:5 lutego 2014 12:00
Powiązane komunikaty:eso1405
Rozmiar:1330 x 1276 px

O obiekcie

Nazwa:(25143) Itokawa
Typ:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Asteroid
Kategoria:Solar System

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