NASA’s Dawn spacecraft is all set to touch the surface of Ceres on 6th March. Presently, the space probe is only few inches away from the dwarf planet.
Robert Mase, project manager for the Dawn mission, discussed the current situation of the probe. He expresses that the spacecraft is all gears up to mark a new history in the arena of space. Scientists cannot wait to investigate Ceres
The Ceres is the largest object present in the asteroid belt. The dwarf planet was first discovered in 1801. It is located between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars. It is entirely composed of ice and rock particles.
Dawn has snapped new incredible images of Ceres. The images reveal presence of two mysterious craters with bright spots. However, astronomers believe that the craters are an outcome of changes in surface. Nonetheless, it is too early to say anything with surety.
Jim Green, a scientist of NASA’s planetary department, informs that investigation of Ceres will permit scientist to carry out historical space research. The information will begin a new chapter in the history of solar system.
Up till now, the spacecraft has captured numerous navigational images of Ceres. This is the first time when scientists received such high resolution images from any spacecraft.
