logo
China's Tianwen 2 Sends Stunning Images Of Earth And Moon From Deep Space: See Pics

China's Tianwen 2 Sends Stunning Images Of Earth And Moon From Deep Space: See Pics

NDTVa day ago
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) released images of Earth and the moon on Tuesday, taken by the Tianwen 2 spacecraft from deep space, according to Xinhua. The probe was launched on May 29 using a Long March-3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, and the images were taken a day later, on May 30.
See images here:
33 days following launch, #Tianwen2 is passing 12 million km distance from Earth. CNSA released photos of the Earth and Moon taken by ANAC (窄视场导航敏感器 / Asteroid Narrow Angle Camera) when the spacecraft was 590K km from each body. https://t.co/hJnaVjpfN5 pic.twitter.com/Qwx0ODiGQg
— WLR2678🌌 (@WLR_2678) July 1, 2025
Currently, the probe is reportedly around 12 million kilometres away from Earth. It has spent more than 33 days in space so far. The mission aims to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 (or 469219 Kamo'oalewa) and explore the main-belt comet 311P, which would help provide insights into the early solar system's formation and evolution.
As per the report, the space agency published the stunning pictures, taken by the spacecraft's narrow-field-of-view navigation sensor, when it was about 590,000 kilometres away from the Blue Planet.
What is the future of the Tianwen 2 mission?
The mission is expected to return samples to Earth by November 2027, with the probe collecting between 0.2 and 1 kilogram of soil from the asteroid.
The Tianwen-2 mission is planned to last around 10 years. During the given period, the probe would visit the asteroid and comet, and return samples to Earth.
The mission will help scientists understand the composition, formation, and evolutionary history of the solar system's early materials. If successful, the probe would also provide insights into the origins of water on Earth.
China has several important missions planned for the coming years. Beijing plans to send Chinese astronauts to the Moon before 2030 and establish a permanent base there, as part of its ambitious "space dream" under Xi Jinping's leadership.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Study shows sleep shaped by environments not just personal habits
Study shows sleep shaped by environments not just personal habits

Hans India

time7 hours ago

  • Hans India

Study shows sleep shaped by environments not just personal habits

Sleep patterns are significantly influenced by the day of the week, the season, and geographic locations, according to a study. The study, led by researchers from Flinders University in South Australia, is based on data from more than 116,000 adults and over 73 million nights of sleep. The team used an under-mattress device to objectively track sleep duration and timing across 3.5 years, Xinhua news agency reported. The study finds that sleep is shaped not just by personal habits, but by environmental factors like daylight, temperature, and weekly routines. 'Our findings underscore the seasonal nature of human sleep, and that it is influenced by demographics and geography,' said Hannah Scott, a sleep health expert at Flinders in the Northern Hemisphere sleep 15 to 20 minutes longer in winter, while those in the Southern Hemisphere sleep less in summer. 'Interestingly we found that the farther you live from the equator, the greater the seasonal variation in sleep,' Scott said. People go to bed later and sleep in longer on weekends, recovering some lost sleep, especially middle-aged adults balancing work and family. These irregular patterns are increasingly linked to negative health effects, according to the study published in Sleep. The study found a gradual decline in sleep, with people sleeping about 2.5 minutes less per night from 2020 to 2023, possibly due to the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Irregular sleep is more than just feeling tired -- it can be a health risk and understanding how our routines and environments affect sleep is a helpful step towards improving it,' said Danny Eckert from Flinders University. Although the study focused on tech-savvy users and didn't account for factors like pets or partners, it underscores how the environment shapes sleep, reminding people to consider time and season for better rest, said the researchers.

China's Tianwen 2 Sends Stunning Images Of Earth And Moon From Deep Space: See Pics
China's Tianwen 2 Sends Stunning Images Of Earth And Moon From Deep Space: See Pics

NDTV

timea day ago

  • NDTV

China's Tianwen 2 Sends Stunning Images Of Earth And Moon From Deep Space: See Pics

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) released images of Earth and the moon on Tuesday, taken by the Tianwen 2 spacecraft from deep space, according to Xinhua. The probe was launched on May 29 using a Long March-3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, and the images were taken a day later, on May 30. See images here: 33 days following launch, #Tianwen2 is passing 12 million km distance from Earth. CNSA released photos of the Earth and Moon taken by ANAC (窄视场导航敏感器 / Asteroid Narrow Angle Camera) when the spacecraft was 590K km from each body. — WLR2678🌌 (@WLR_2678) July 1, 2025 Currently, the probe is reportedly around 12 million kilometres away from Earth. It has spent more than 33 days in space so far. The mission aims to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 (or 469219 Kamo'oalewa) and explore the main-belt comet 311P, which would help provide insights into the early solar system's formation and evolution. As per the report, the space agency published the stunning pictures, taken by the spacecraft's narrow-field-of-view navigation sensor, when it was about 590,000 kilometres away from the Blue Planet. What is the future of the Tianwen 2 mission? The mission is expected to return samples to Earth by November 2027, with the probe collecting between 0.2 and 1 kilogram of soil from the asteroid. The Tianwen-2 mission is planned to last around 10 years. During the given period, the probe would visit the asteroid and comet, and return samples to Earth. The mission will help scientists understand the composition, formation, and evolutionary history of the solar system's early materials. If successful, the probe would also provide insights into the origins of water on Earth. China has several important missions planned for the coming years. Beijing plans to send Chinese astronauts to the Moon before 2030 and establish a permanent base there, as part of its ambitious "space dream" under Xi Jinping's leadership.

CNSA releases images of Earth and Moon by Tianwen-2 from 590,000 km in deep space
CNSA releases images of Earth and Moon by Tianwen-2 from 590,000 km in deep space

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

CNSA releases images of Earth and Moon by Tianwen-2 from 590,000 km in deep space

China's Tianwen-2 probe has officially begun its deep space mission by capturing a stunning image of Earth and the Moon from 590,000 kilometers away. Released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on July 1, the image symbolises the start of a decade-long journey to explore a near-Earth asteroid and a distant comet. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Launched on May 29, Tianwen-2 will collect samples from asteroid Kamo'oalewa by 2027 and later investigate comet 311P/PANSTARRS. This dual-target mission marks a significant step forward for China's space program, aiming to unlock key secrets about the origin of the Moon, water, and life. Tianwen-2 probe: Earth-Moon images from deep space released by CNSA The stunning photo was taken on May 30, 2025, when Tianwen-2 was nearly 590,000 kilometers away from Earth. The picture beautifully frames Earth and its natural satellite, the Moon, together in the vast darkness of space. This image was captured using the spacecraft's narrow-field-of-view navigation sensor, an instrument designed to help the spacecraft maintain its orientation and enable precise autonomous navigation. This camera plays a critical role in guiding Tianwen-2 through deep space, allowing it to operate independently from ground control while maintaining stability during its long voyage. Source: CNSA Source: CNSA Tianwen-2 marks milestone with over 12 million km travelled since May 29 launch As of July 1, 2025 , CNSA reports that Tianwen-2 is operating smoothly. As reported, the Tianwen-2 probe has been in orbit for 33 days with a distance of 12 million kilometres since its May 29 launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 3B rocket. Its successful performance in this early stage builds confidence in its ability to complete its complex multi-target mission. This probe is part of China's broader space strategy to expand its scientific reach beyond the Moon and Mars, pushing boundaries into asteroid and comet exploration—domains previously dominated by NASA, ESA, and JAXA. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tianwen-2 heads toward Kamo'oalewa; a mysterious near-Earth asteroid Tianwen-2 is heading toward Kamo'oalewa, a small near-Earth asteroid that orbits the Sun in a path similar to Earth's. What makes this asteroid particularly intriguing is the hypothesis that it might be a fragment of the Moon, dislodged by a massive impact event in the distant past. Upon arrival in 2026, the spacecraft will conduct detailed investigations, including: Surface imaging and mapping Material composition analysis Landing and sample collection The samples will then be returned to Earth by 2027, providing researchers with rare, untouched material from a near-Earth object—potentially from the Moon's ancient past. Tianwen-2 to explore mysterious comet after asteroid sample return Tianwen-2's mission doesn't end after the asteroid sample returns. It will be re-tasked to study the comet 311P/PANSTARRS, known for its active tail and mysterious dust ejection events. This phase of the mission could begin shortly after the asteroid visit and will involve: Close flybys of the comet's nucleus Observations of gas and dust activity Analysis of chemical composition Scientists hope this exploration could provide vital clues about the origin of Earth's water and organic molecules, helping to answer one of science's oldest questions—how life-supporting ingredients arrived on our planet. Tianwen-2 sets a new standard with 10-year asteroid-to-comet space voyage According to The Astronomy Magazine , the Tianwen-2 mission is planned to last more than 10 years, making it one of the longest and most scientifically rich deep-space missions in China's history. Its dual-phase nature—first targeting an asteroid, then a comet—requires exceptional engineering and mission planning. This strategy mirrors the complexity and ambition of missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx and ESA's Rosetta, but with a uniquely Chinese twist: combining asteroid sample return and comet observation into a single, seamless voyage. Also Read |

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store