Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. This image taken two weeks ago by the robot NEAR spacecraft orbiting the dark asteroid shows a kilometer-wide crater where some type of light material lies beneath some of the darker surface regolith . This light substance, seen on other photographs , may be relatively fresh material not yet well exposed to a darkening solar wind and micro meteorite impacts. As fuel wanes, NASA plans to end the NEAR spacecraft mission on February 12 with a spectacular controlled descent to the asteroid's surface . Although not designed to survive a landing, it is hoped that NEAR will be able to record and relay high-resolution pictures on its way down.
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