NASA’s Bold Quest Continues!

This weekend, NASA's extraordinary Lucy spacecraft is on a thrilling course for yet another close encounter with a small asteroid, all in pursuit of the mysterious and uncharted realms of asteroids near Jupiter.

A Mission of Unprecedented Scale!

Launched in 2021, Lucy is on an epic journey to visit an impressive 11 asteroids, providing invaluable insights into the early solar system. These ancient space rocks are considered the remnants from the era when our planets were forming.

A Sneak Peek into the Future!

This upcoming flyby serves as a critical rehearsal for a major milestone in 2027, when Lucy will reach its first Trojan asteroid. This unique category of asteroids share their orbit with Jupiter, making them a fascinating target for study.

Meet Donaldjohanson!

On Sunday, Lucy will gear up its three science instruments to study the asteroid named Donaldjohanson—after the paleontologist who discovered the famous fossil Lucy in Ethiopia 50 years ago. The encounter will unfold a staggering 139 million miles (223 million kilometers) from Earth, nestled in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Up Close and Personal with the Asteroid!

Lucy will zoom to within 596 miles (960 kilometers) of Donaldjohanson, a small celestial body approximately 2 ½ miles (4 kilometers) in length. Scientists eagerly anticipate this close encounter, hoping to refine their understanding of its size and shape as the spacecraft hurtles past at a speed of over 30,000 mph (48,000 kph).

What Will Lucy Discover?

With a fascinating history, this asteroid is thought to have formed from the debris of a massive collision 150 million years ago. Lead scientist Hal Levison points out that expectations are high: the asteroid may not just be an ordinary shape—it could resemble a bowling pin or even a snowman! Multiple elongated bodies could also be in play. "We don’t know what to expect. That’s what makes this so cool!" says Levison.

Data from the Stars!

During the flyby, communication with Lucy will temporarily cease as it focuses on tracking the asteroid. However, Levison anticipates receiving most of the data within a day.

Looking Ahead!

Lucy’s journey doesn’t end here! The next big event will involve the fascinating Trojan asteroids that accompany Jupiter on its solar journey. From 2027 to 2033, Lucy is set to explore eight of these amazing celestial formations, some in pairs—an astronomical adventure of a lifetime!

A Previous Success!

Lucy’s first asteroid flyby in 2023 was a resounding success as it discovered a mini moon orbiting the tiny Dinkinesh, also located in the main asteroid belt.