Spacecraft Dawn Preparing for a Closer Look at Ceres
The Dawn spacecraft by NASA has been preparing for its journey to the orbit of dwarf planet Ceres as reported by News Maine.
During Dawn's first encounter with Ceres with a distance of about 14,000 miles above its northern hemisphere, it has spotted two unknown and mysterious spots which reflects light and is getting the interest of the astronomers on what they are.
Theories have been speculated that the bright light spotted on Ceres could be ice patches since they can reflect light. Other scientists say that the two spots can be part of ice volcanoes.
NASA is positive that with the Dawn's journey they will be able to get a clearer glimpse and view of those bright spots. The spacecraft will get closer to the dwarf planet as possible to obtain more vivid pictures and further information that will provide a better understanding of that planet.
With the three-week journey of the spacecraft, it will orbit at about 8,400 miles above Ceres' surface and move closer on May 9th according to NASA scientists.
The spacecraft Dawn got a first travel on the orbit of the dwarf planet last March 6th and was able to get some color images including the two bright spots reflected on the picture. The spots have made the scientists' desire to go back and get a clearer and more accurate image so they can study it further.
This time the astronauts will try to get images from other angles in order to study the spots which may show more of the surface and atmosphere of Ceres as well as to draw a clearer view of the dwarf planet.