An image of the strange asteroid Lutetia from the ESA Rosetta probe

This image of the unusual asteroid Lutetia was taken by ESA’s Rosetta probe during its closest approach in July 2010. Lutetia, which is about 100 kilometres across, seems to be a leftover fragment of the same original material that formed the Earth, Venus and Mercury. It is now part of the main asteroid belt, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, but its composition suggests that it was originally much closer to the Sun.

Credit:

ESA 2010 MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/RSSD/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA

About the Image

Id:eso1144a
Type:Planetary
Release date:11 November 2011, 10:00
Related releases:eso1144
Size:1846 x 1954 px

About the Object

Name:Asteroid (21) Lutetia
Type:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Asteroid
Category:Solar System

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