Even so, NEAR s observations have given scientists valuable information. The asteroid is composed of a mixture of metal and silicates. Its shape is similar to a bent peanut or a squat and rather battered sausage. Although the images are somewhat disappointing, many surface structures are visible. One of the main ones is a ridge that surrounds the asteroid like a belt.
Some craters are also visible.
The largest ones seen so far are 6.5km and 8.5km in diameter. However, the surface of Eros seems only lightly cratered. This suggests that it is young and supports the hypothesis that Eros is a fragment of a much larger body. As usual, the engineers controlling the mission have turned a misfortune to their benefit. They point out that the chance to encounter the asteroid before entering orbit around it has been a lucky break.