NASA’s Lucy spacecraft, currently on its way to investigate ancient asteroids called the Trojans, recently made a surprising discovery. On November 2, the Lucy team announced that the spacecraft had flown by its non-Trojan target, a binary system of two asteroids named Dinkinesh or “Dinky.”
Even though the team initially planned to study the Trojans, they were met with unexpected excitement when they discovered that Dinky’s moon itself had its own moon. This groundbreaking discovery makes Dinky a contact-binary system, the first of its kind to be discovered orbiting an asteroid.
The identity of the moon orbiting Dinky was revealed on November 29, and it was given the name Selam. The name was chosen in homage to a 3-year-old fossil of the same species as Lucy, one of the first well-known hominin fossils. This connection between the moon and the ancient fossil adds a fascinating layer of significance to the discovery.
The Lucy team now plans to closely study both Dinkinesh and Selam using the spacecraft’s onboard instruments. They hope to gain a better understanding of how this contact-binary system formed and uncover valuable information about the composition of the asteroids. The high-resolution L’LORRI camera and Terminal Tracking Cameras will play a crucial role in capturing detailed images and providing insights into the asteroids’ composition and their connection to other asteroids.
This unexpected discovery highlights the potential for even more exciting findings throughout Lucy’s 12-year excursion. As the spacecraft continues on its mission to investigate the Trojans, scientists and space enthusiasts alike eagerly await the possibility of further groundbreaking discoveries.
The Lucy spacecraft’s journey is a testament to the remarkable advancements in space exploration and our continuous efforts to unravel the mysteries of our universe. With every unexpected detour, scientists are reminded of the countless wonders awaiting us in the vastness of space. Stay tuned for more updates from NASA’s Lucy spacecraft as it continues to venture deeper into the unknown.
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