New photos from NASA show a huge mountain on Ceres—a dwarf planet in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This is just the latest mystery to emerge on this fascinating and perplexing world.
A LONE MOUNTAIN
The photo showing the unusual mountain was taken by NASA’s Dawn spacecraft on June 6, 2015. This pyramid-shaped mountain on Ceres rises out of what appears to be relatively smooth terrain. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), this mountain rises approximately three miles above the surface.
THOSE MYSTERIOUS SPOTS
Dawn also snapped closer photos of the bright mysterious spots on Ceres’ surface that have perplexed scientists. But the new photos don’t provide any new clues to help definitively identify them.
The strange illuminated area on Ceres was photographed by Dawn before the spacecraft entered orbit in March 2015, which is comprised of two bright spots within a basin on the surface. Speculation about the source of these odd lights began immediately after Dawn’s photos were published by NASA. Perplexed scientists suggested light reflections off ice or water vapor, or a volcano as possible explanations. And others presented the possibility that the illumination could be from an extraterrestrial civilization.
The mystery remains. And, until Dawn can get a better look, NASA actually launched a website inviting public suppositions regarding the bright spot on Ceres.
A CLOSER LOOK
The recent images of Ceres were taken by Dawn from 2,700 miles above the planet. The spacecraft is scheduled to maneuver down to 900 miles above the planet in August 2015. The closer approach will hopefully yield even better photos and give scientists a better idea about what is causing those weird bright spots.
Solving space mysteries, huh? Can Musio, your newest A.I. friend do this?:
Odd Mountain on Ceres Adds to the Dwarf Planet"s Mysteries
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