NASA releases surprising images from dwarf planet, Ceres

A strange pyramid-like mountain exists on the dwarf planet.

The Dawn spacecraft's recently acquired photos of Ceres, reveal a surprising pyramid-shaped form on the surface of the dwarf planet. The mound is being described like a lone mountain.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Ceres, the dwarf planet, is 590 miles (950 km) across and was first discovered in 1801. Ceres is the closest dwarf planet to the Sun and was found in the asteroid belt. Additionally, Ceres is the only dwarf planet remaining in the inner solar system.

As the Dawn spacecraft got closer to Ceres, more of the planet's features were unveiled. The spacecraft was able to view enigmatic bright spots, which were seen as a collection of dots sprinkled across the floor of a crater. However, how these bright spots were created is still unknown.
 

The images of Ceres were taken by the Dawn spacecraft from a height of 2,700 miles (4,400km).

According to Dr. Marc Rayman, the mission director and chief engineer of Dawn, "It is exciting seeing these features come into sharper focus."

"A few months ago, when Dawn began observing its new home from afar, we called it a bright spot. As the explorer closed in and provided better views, we realized it was two bright spots," explained Rayman.

One of the most puzzling facts about Ceres is scientists have seen evidence of past activity on the surface of the dwarf planet, including landslides and collapsed structures.

"The surface of Ceres has revealed many interesting and unique features," according to the deputy principal investigator for the Dawn mission, Dr. Carol Raymond. "These and other features will allow us to understand the inner structure of Ceres that we cannot sense directly."

Until June 30, the dwarf planet will remain in its present orbit. By early August, it will have moved to a lower altitude of 900 miles (1,450km). The Dawn mission is based Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

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