Rare Photo of Mars and Moons Captured by NASA Spacecraft
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft captured a unique image of Mars with its moons, Phobos and Deimos, all glowing in infrared light. This rare photo opportunity allowed mission engineers to fine-tune the spacecraft's thermal camera as it passed by the Red Planet.
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft is on a journey to Jupiter's moon, Europa, a frozen world believed to harbor a salty ocean beneath its icy crust — and possibly the conditions to support life. On its way, the spacecraft captured a rare image of Mars with its moons, Phobos and Deimos, glowing in infrared light.
The image was taken from about 560,000 miles away, showing Mars dominating the center with its moons faintly visible. This unique view provided engineers a chance to fine-tune the spacecraft's thermal camera as it passed by Mars.
Phobos and Deimos are two of the smallest known moons in the solar system, and their origins remain a mystery. Some believe they could be captured asteroids or debris from a collision with Mars billions of years ago.
The Europa Clipper spacecraft used this photo opportunity to test its thermal sensors, which will be crucial in exploring Europa's icy crust and potential for supporting life. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the Jupiter system in 2030 for further exploration.
According to the source: Mashable.
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