Dawn spacecraft preps for visit dwarf planet Ceres
A NASA spacecraft is preparing to rendezvous with the dwarf planet Ceres in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter.
NASA spacecraft will enter orbit on Friday
NASA spacecraft is preparing to rendezvous with the largest object in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter.
The Dawn craft is on target to slip into orbit around the dwarf planet Ceres on Friday after a three-year journey. It'll be the second stop for Dawn, which earlier visited the asteroid Vesta.
Dawn has been snapping pictures of Ceres as it nears the object. Sharper images are expected in the coming months as Dawn spirals closer to Ceres' surface.
Launched in 2007 and powered by ion propulsion, Dawn is the first craft to target two space rocks to learn about the solar system's evolution.
Dawn studied Vesta, the second-most massive object in the asteroid belt, from 2011 to 2012 and beamed back more than 30,000 images.
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Become a CBC Account Holder
Join the conversation Create account
Already have an account?