Where In The Universe Challenge #26

Here’s the image for this week’s “Where In The Universe” challenge. And, like last week, we’ll provide the image, but won’t reveal the answer right away. This gives everyone a chance to mull over the image and provide their answer in the comment section. But check back tomorrow for the answer and to see how you did. Again, here’s the procedure: Take a look at the image above and try to determine where in the universe this image was taken. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft responsible for taking this image. Post your answers in the comments (if you’re brave enough!) and check back tomorrow for the answer. Good luck!

UPDATE: The answer has now been posted below. If you haven’t made your guess yet, no peeking before you do!!

As the majority of the commenters said, this is Neptune’s moon Triton, taken by Voyager 2. In the summer of 1989, NASA’s Voyager 2 became the first spacecraft to observe the planet Neptune, its final planetary target. Passing about 4,950 kilometers (3,000 miles) above Neptune’s north pole, Voyager 2 made its closest approach to any planet since leaving Earth 12 years earlier. Five hours later, Voyager 2 passed about 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) from Neptune’s largest moon, Triton, the last solid body the spacecraft will have an opportunity to study.

Good job, everyone!

Nancy Atkinson

Nancy has been with Universe Today since 2004. She is the author of a new book on the Apollo program, "Eight Years to the Moon," which shares the stories of 60 engineers and scientists who worked behind the scenes to make landing on the Moon possible. Her first book, "Incredible Stories from Space: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Missions Changing Our View of the Cosmos" tells the stories of those who work on NASA's robotic missions to explore the Solar System and beyond.

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