The Growing Crescent of Mars as NASA’s Psyche Mission Approaches
48 MB) Description This composite of images taken by NASA’s Psyche mission shows the crescent of Mars grow as the spacecraft approached the planet for a gravity assist from May 2 to May 15, 2026.
The Growing Crescent of Mars as NASA’s Psyche Mission Approaches
Because Psyche approached Mars from a high phase angle, the planet appeared as a thin crescent in the days running up to the close approach, lit by sunlight reflecting off its surface. Using these views of the approach, close approach, and departure from Mars, the Psyche team compiled a stunning time-lapse of its entire Mars encounter.
For more information about NASA’s Psyche mission, visit:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/