ESA’s Hera Probe Captures Stunning Images of Mars’ Moon Deimos | Space Photo of the Day (March 13, 2025)

On March 12, 2025, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Hera spacecraft made a significant move during its flyby of Mars. This marked the first use of its science instruments to capture images of Deimos, one of Mars’ two moons. The Hera mission, launched in 2024, aims to gather data about the asteroid Dimorphos, which was impacted by NASA’s DART mission in 2022.

To gain the right momentum to reach its target, Hera performed a gravity assist by swinging close to Mars. It came within about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) of Deimos, which orbits Mars at approximately 14,600 miles (23,500 kilometers) from its surface. This close approach allowed scientists to power up and test three of Hera’s instruments for the first time.

Using its Hyperscout H hyperspectral imager, Hera took a stunning near-infrared photograph that showcases Deimos and part of Mars. The image revealed the bright Terra Sabaea region near the planet’s equator, with notable features like the Huygen and Schiaparelli craters, as well as the massive Hellas Basin, one of the largest impact craters in the solar system.

Deimos, interestingly, is tidally locked. This means that one side of the moon always faces Mars, making the images captured by Hera particularly unique. The Hyperscout H can analyze materials in different wavelengths, going beyond what our eyes can see. It operates across 25 visible and near-infrared bands, giving scientists a clearer understanding of the moon’s surface composition.

This mission comes at a time when interest in planetary defense is high. With threats from asteroids being taken more seriously since the DART mission’s successful impact, projects like Hera are crucial for understanding how to protect Earth. Researchers also note that data from missions like these can improve our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.

Images and data from Hera are expected to provide key insights. For example, recent research highlights that missions focused on small celestial bodies can reveal significant information about the history of our solar system. The success of Hera’s flyby shows the importance of international collaboration and advanced technology in space exploration.

Learn more about Hera’s exciting journey and its future missions at the ESA official website.

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