OSIRIS-REx captures epic mosaic of asteroid Bennu
The surface of asteroid Bennu is revealed in incredible detail via an astrounding photographic mosaic captured by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.
This mosaic, compiled by NASA from 2,155 images taken by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft last spring, reveals the surface of the asteroid Bennu as never seen before.
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft launched on 8 September 2016 on its journey to near-Earth asteroid Bennu, where it will collect a sample before returning to Earth in 2023.
Back on Earth, scientists will be able to study the asteroid sample and learn more about the conditions of the early Solar System.
OSIRIS-REx passed just 3–5km above the asteroid’s surface to capture these detailed pictures bewteen 7 March and 19 April 2019.
Bennu, dubbed a 'Doomsday asteroid' by some, is on both NASA’s and ESA’s risk lists, with a 1-in-2,700 chance of striking Earth in the late 22nd century.
Image stats
Observatory OSIRIS-REx spacecraft
Image release date 19 March 2020
Credit NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona.
Authors
Jane Williamson is BBC Sky at Night Magazine's Production Editor.
