This is the very first (official!) stereo close-up of Asteroid 162173 RYUGU.
The Japanese Hayabashi2 team have scored a new triumph by parking their probe only tens of kilometres away from this extremely dark near-Earth-orbit asteroid.
Dr Patrick Michel brought the two component parts of this stereo to our concert Monday night. I was honoured to have the opportunity to make this very first stereo compilation – not only of Ryugu, but of any C-type asteroid – in history. Very exciting for us all ! I asked the team for two exposures around 10 minutes apart. They sent me these two lovely images separated by 13 minutes. I’ve applied a few ‘polishes’ to this tonight, and offer it – as authorised – to be published after 5am.
This is to coincide with the JAXA official announcement that the probe has reached its destination.
Enjoy !
Cheers
Bri
PLEASE OBSERVE COPYRIGHT
© brianmay.com