Asteroid Ryugu MYSTERY: Hayabusa2 Ryugu selfie reveals strange dark ‘smudge’

Both theories make sense, and it could be a combination of the two.

It remains unclear, however, if the impact itself caused the discolouration, or if Hayabusa2’s activities disturbed darkened material from the surface.

Or the explanation could even be something else entirely.

Hayabusa2 took the photo with its Optical Navigation Camera about one minute after the touchdown, en route to its home position some 12 miles (12 km) above Ryugu.

Hayabusa2 took the instantly-iconic selfie when it was about 25 metres (82 ft) from the sample site.

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