Hera spacecraft captures stunning images of Earth on journey to asteroid Dimorphos

The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft, on its way to the asteroid Dimorphos, has captured images of Earth and the moon from over one million kilometers away. This marks the first time Hera's instruments were activated after its launch. The spacecraft took three images, including one showing Earth's clouds over the Pacific Ocean and another using thermal and infrared technology to analyze the asteroid's surface. Hera aims to study the effects of NASA's DART mission on Dimorphos, which will be reached in December 2026. Hera's mission will help improve understanding of planetary defense techniques following the successful asteroid deflection test by NASA. The mission highlights the ongoing efforts to monitor and mitigate potential asteroid threats to Earth.