Lucy Satellite to Visit Jupiter's Asteroids

Discussion in 'Science' started by WillReadmore, Nov 4, 2019.

  1. WillReadmore

    WillReadmore Well-Known Member

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    I just heard of this mission and it sounds cool!

    The mission will visit a number of asteroids that have clumped in two Jovian Lagrangian points - one ahead and one behind Jupiter as it orbits the sun. Since they are held in close proximity this one mission will be able to visit 7 asteroids.

    These two clouds include the largest collection of asteroids outside the asteroid belt. In fact, the two clouds could have as many asteroids as the asteroid belt! It's thought to have material left over from when the planets were formed. Thus the name "Lucy" in reference to the skeletal remains of an early human.

    https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/lucy-the-first-mission-to-jupiter-s-trojans
     

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