Cosmic Conjoined Twins, Caught on Camera
New images from the Hayabusa-2 probe confirm that asteroid Torifune is a contact binary, a two-part structure resembling conjoined space rocks.
Where it stands
The Hayabusa-2 probe has completed a flyby of the asteroid Torifune, capturing close-up imagery of the object. Analysis of the visual data reveals the asteroid possesses a distinct, peanut-like shape formed by two conjoined sections.
Coverage from outlets including Sci.News, Smithsonian Magazine, The Planetary Society, and NHK emphasizes the classification of Torifune as a contact binary. Reports from Yahoo, the New York Times, and Universe Today track the mission's success as both Japan and China conduct recent asteroid flyby operations.
Future updates will likely detail further scientific analysis of the images released by the Japan space agency. Coverage does not yet specify long-term mission objectives following the completion of this flyby.
Synthesized by Newsylist from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 41d ago.
Answered
What is the shape of asteroid Torifune?
It is described as a peanut-shaped object formed by two conjoined space rocks, known as a contact binary.
Which spacecraft captured the images?
The Hayabusa-2 probe captured the images during its recent flyby.
Who is reporting on these findings?
Outlets including Sci.News, Smithsonian Magazine, The Planetary Society, Universe Today, NHK, the New York Times, and Yahoo have provided coverage.
Coverage (7)
- Hayabusa-2 Snaps Stunning Close-Up Images of Asteroid Torifune during Flyby Sci.News · 45d ago
- Japan and China just flew past asteroids. Here's what they saw. Yahoo · 45d ago
- New Images Reveal That This Asteroid Is Actually Two Conjoined Space Rocks That Form a Peanut-Shaped Object Called a 'Contact Binary' Smithsonian Magazine · 45d ago
- Torifune from Hayabusa2 The Planetary Society · 45d ago
- Another Success for Hayabusa 2 as it Completes a Flyby of Asteroid Torifune Universe Today · 45d ago
- Cosmic Conjoined Twins, Caught on Camera NYT > Science · 45d ago
- Japan space agency shows asteroid images from probe flyby | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News nhk.or.jp · 45d ago broke it first
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