Unlocking Secrets of Our Solar System

NASA’s groundbreaking Lucy mission is on a quest to unearth the mysteries of our solar system's early history by studying fascinating asteroids, including the intriguing Donaldjohanson.

What Is NASA's Lucy Mission?

Launched on October 16, 2021, the Lucy space probe is the first of its kind, engineered specifically to investigate Trojan asteroids—ancient celestial sentinels that share their orbits with Jupiter and the sun. Its namesake, the famed paleoanthropologist who co-discovered the Lucy skeleton, hints at the mission's focus on uncovering deep-rooted histories.

Spotlight on Donaldjohanson

The asteroid Donaldjohanson, discovered in 1995, resides in the main asteroid belt nestled between Mars and Jupiter. Although not classified as a Trojan, its unique features make it a captivating subject for Lucy’s exploration.

A Stunning Close Encounter

On April 20, 2025, Lucy zoomed in on Donaldjohanson, capturing breathtaking images from just 596 miles (960 kilometers) away from Earth. This flyby was not only a thrilling moment for scientists—serving as a "dress rehearsal"—but also an opportunity to refine the spacecraft's capabilities before venturing further out into space.

The Journey Ahead

After this initial encounter, Lucy is set to embark on an ambitious journey to study at least six Trojan asteroids, with its first major close-up event slated for August 2027 with asteroid Eurybates. This mission promises to unlock knowledge that could revolutionize our understanding of the solar system's formation and the role of asteroids in it.

Continue Your Cosmic Education!

Stay tuned for more updates and discoveries from NASA’s Lucy mission as it continues to delve into the mysteries of our celestial neighbors!