The Digital Press

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft completed its second asteroid flyby, capturing detailed images of the elongated asteroid Donaldjohanson, revealing complex geology and confirming prior observations about its shape and rotation.

Why it matters: Studying Donaldjohanson’s structure helps reveal the early building blocks and collisional history of our solar system’s planets.

The big picture: Lucy’s 12-year mission will investigate 10 asteroids, advancing understanding of Jupiter Trojan asteroids and solar system origins.

Stunning stat: Donaldjohanson measures about 5 miles long and 2 miles wide, larger than initial estimates and wider than Lucy’s camera view.

Commenters say: Many express excitement over the mission’s findings and potential, while some discuss technical challenges and the importance of detailed data analysis.