Japan's Hayabusa2 probe captures remarkable photo of a two-headed asteroid 62 million miles away
Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe reveals a bizarre double-lobed asteroid 100 million km from Earth
Velocity
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
The brief
Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft has transmitted images of asteroid **Torifune**, revealing its distinctive two-lobed, peanut-like shape during a flyby. The probe, operated by the **Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)**, captured the first close-up photos of the asteroid at a distance of **100 million kilometers** from Earth. JAXA confirmed the mission’s success, marking a milestone in asteroid observation and space exploration.
Coverage emphasizes the asteroid’s unusual morphology, described variously as resembling a **peanut, snowman, or two-headed structure**. Outlets including **NEWS.am TECH, MSN, CTV News, and Kyodo News** highlight the rarity of such formations, which may offer insights into the early solar system’s collision history. JAXA’s official statement underscores the probe’s technical achievement and scientific value.
Watch for further analysis on how Torifune’s shape could inform theories about asteroid formation and JAXA’s next steps in studying the object. Updates may also detail whether Hayabusa2 will attempt further observations or sample collection during its extended mission.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1h ago.
Quick answers
What is asteroid Torifune’s most striking feature?
Its **two-lobed, peanut-like shape**, resembling a snowman or double-headed structure, captured in images by Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe.
How far from Earth was the photo taken?
**100 million kilometers** (approximately 62 million miles), according to JAXA and multiple news outlets.
Has JAXA confirmed the mission’s success?
Yes. JAXA’s official statement, reported by **Kyodo News**, confirms the flyby and image capture as successful.
Coverage (8)
- Japan space agency shows asteroid images from probe flyby | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News nhk.or.jp · 1d ago
- Cosmic Conjoined Twins, Caught on Camera The New York Times · 1d ago
- Japan's Hayabusa2 Snaps Torifune The Snowman Asteroid To Demo 'Planetary Defence' Mashable India · 1d ago
- Japan's Hayabusa2 probe captures stunning image of a two-headed asteroid 100 million kilometers from Earth NEWS.am TECH · 1d ago
- Japan's Hayabusa2 sends first picture of peanut asteroid 100 million km from Earth MSN · 1d ago
- Hayabusa2 captures images of asteroid Torifune Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency · 1d ago
- Japan's space agency confirms Hayabusa2 space probe mission was successful Japan Wire by Kyodo News · 1d ago
- Japan releases snowman-like asteroid image after flyby CTV News · 1d ago
Topics
Related trends
Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen announces space agency retirement weeks after historic moon mission
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen steps away from space agency after historic Artemis II moon mission
NASA administrator: "We are very much in a space race right now" against China
NASA’s new lunar race with China intensifies as timelines tighten and stakes rise
Chinese Tianwen-2 space probe reaches asteroid for sampling
China’s Tianwen-2 probe arrives at asteroid Kamo’oalewa, marking a milestone in deep-space sample-return missions
Japan space probe skims asteroid in test for planetary defense
Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe reveals a two-headed asteroid in a landmark planetary defense test
Japan's Hayabusa2 probe completes flyby of Torifune asteroid | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe completes historic asteroid flyby, marking a step toward planetary defense research
What did the night sky look like on the 1st Independence Day 250 years ago?
Astronomers and historians reconstruct the Founding Fathers’ sky—250 years after Independence Day