NASA's Lucy spacecraft is set to make a close pass by asteroid Donaldjohanson, at a distance of 596 miles, on Sunday. This flyby, part of a 12-year mission, aims to study remnants of the early solar system. Lucy will employ three instruments to observe the asteroid closely, rotating with it for a comprehensive view. Following Donaldjohanson, the spacecraft will target Trojan asteroids, with the first expected encounter in 2027. The mission scientist emphasizes the unique stories each asteroid offers regarding solar system history.
"Every asteroid has a different story to tell, and these stories weave together to paint the history of our solar system... I'm fully expecting to be surprised - again."
"The fact that each new asteroid we visit knocks our socks off means we're only beginning to understand the depth and richness of that history."
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