Hayabusa's Photo of Itokawa

By Fraser Cain - September 15, 2005 05:09 AM UTC | Planetary Science

Itokawa. Image credit: JAXA

Click to enlarge

Hayabusa arrived at Itokawa on September 12. The distance between the spacecraft and Itokawa is approximately 20 kilometers. This is the composite color image of Itokawa taken at September 12, 2005. This image composed of three images with different filters as red, green and blue. The irregular shape is clearly seen. Hayabusa science observations started.

JAXA News Release

Q&A+ ▶ Our latest video — free on Patreon Will A Naked-Eye Moon Object End Conspiracy Theories? The extended edition: ad-free, with extra content. Free to watch — no account needed. ▶ Watch it free

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.