NASA's Lucy probe will fly by a 'dinky' asteroid on Nov. 1. Here's what to expect

NASA's Lucy probe is on a mission to explore the Trojan asteroids, a group of asteroids that share Jupiter's orbit around the Sun. On Nov. 1, 2023, Lucy will make its first close approach to an asteroid, a tiny space rock named Dinkinesh.

Dinkinesh is only about half a mile wide, but it is still a significant target for Lucy. The probe will fly by Dinkinesh at a distance of about 270 miles, taking images and collecting data about the asteroid's composition and surface features.

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The flyby of Dinkinesh is a test of Lucy's systems before it begins its main mission of exploring the Trojan asteroids. Lucy will visit nine Trojan asteroids in all, over the course of a 12-year journey.

The Trojan asteroids are thought to be remnants of the early solar system. They are located in two groups, one ahead of Jupiter in its orbit and one behind. The asteroids are thought to have formed in the same region as Jupiter and to have been captured in its orbit by the planet's gravity.

Lucy's mission is to study the Trojan asteroids in detail. The probe will collect data on their composition, surface features, and atmospheres. Lucy will also search for evidence of past water activity on the asteroids.

The data collected by Lucy will help scientists to better understand the formation and evolution of the solar system. The mission will also provide insights into the potential for life on other planets.