Dawn, the space probe launched by NASA in September 2007,
has achieved orbit over the once-asteroid, now-dwarf planet Ceres. Employing a unique ion propulsion drive, Dawn
was able to stop by Vesta for a year-long study before resuming her journey to
Ceres, instead of mere fly-by’s like New Horizons had to do with Pluto. Since Dawn’s arrival in March 2015, she has
been sending back beautiful images, revealing mysterious features.
Among the most captivating photos show bright spots on the
surface of Ceres. Located at the bottom
of the Occator crater, the spots seem to be sublimating material, a substance
that transforms from a solid state to gas without passing through the liquid
phase. This process appears to be
creating some sort of localized atmosphere inside the crater.
Another feature creating a stir is the ‘Lonely Mountain’, a
solitary mound over 21,000 feet high.
What makes it so stunning is the strange but beautiful bright streaks on
its sides.
Ceres is the final stop for Dawn and the probe will remain
in orbit at about 230 miles above the surface.
Here she will begin to send even higher-resolution images of the dwarf
planet.
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