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The North Polar Region of 433-Eros (natural colors; credits: Lunexit)
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On March 11, 2000, this image of Eros' North Polar Region was acquired by the imager on the NEAR Shoemaker Spacecraft, from a range of 206 Km (127 miles).
The area shown in the image is 10 Km (6,2 miles) across. Most of the North Polar Region is heavily cratered but the region to the left (part of the "Saddle") has a lower crater density, indicating that the surface has been modified since it first formed.
Eros' rotational axis lies nearly parallel to its orbital plane, much as with the planet Uranus, giving the asteroid exaggerated "seasons".
Now, it is Northern Summer and the North Pole is in continuous sunlight. The Sun will set there this June, at Eros' equivalent of Earth's Autumnal Equinox. At that time, Eros' South Pole will begin 12 months of continuous illumination while the North Pole shall remain in darkness.
(Image 0128166012)
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(Dettagli)
