Figure 15-8: R I V U X G
Sample Returned from Itokawa The surface of Itokawa is rough and studded with boulders. It has been described as a “rubble pile.” Compared to Mathilde and other asteroids, Itokawa has a surprising lack of craters. The asteroid may even be the result of two asteroids merging together. The sample returned to Earth contained about 1500 small grains, and is certain to shed light on Itokawa and asteroids in general.
Sample Returned from Itokawa The surface of Itokawa is rough and studded with boulders. It has been described as a “rubble pile.” Compared to Mathilde and other asteroids, Itokawa has a surprising lack of craters. The asteroid may even be the result of two asteroids merging together. The sample returned to Earth contained about 1500 small grains, and is certain to shed light on Itokawa and asteroids in general.
(Atlas Photo Bank/Science Source)