Touching an Asteroid

NASA is set to grab a sample of asteroid Bennu tomorrow, if all goes according to plan. The ambitious OSIRIS-REx mission will collect a surface sample using a special device called TAGSAM, eventually returning the sample to Earth for study.

Sky & Telescope’s detailed article is linked here:

OSIRIS-Rex to Perform Touch-and-Go Sampling at Bennu - Sky & Telescope

It's been a long time coming, but if all goes as planned, NASA's Osiris-REX spacecraft will reach out and touch asteroid 101955 Bennu tomorrow, in order to collect a sample to return to Earth. The mission's approach and sampling activities will be broadcast live on NASA TV and the agency's website starting at 5 p.m.

WATCH: OSIRIS-REx Sample Collection Activities - OSIRIS-REx Mission

NASA will broadcast coverage of a first for the agency as its Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission attempts to collect a sample of asteroid Bennu on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:12 p.m. EDT. Live coverage of the spacecraft's descent to the asteroid's surface for its "Touch-And-Go," or TAG, maneuver, which will ...

You can watch NASA’s live stream of the landing attempt here:

https://www.asteroidmission.org/?latest-news=watch-osiris-rex-sample-collection-activities

Don’t forget to view Mars in the eastern sky after twilight, having just passed opposition it will remain prominent for the coming weeks and visible the rest of the year.

Join us Wednesday Oct. 21 @ 6:00 PM for our free program: “Tour of the Cosmos” where we’ll explore the night sky in steps moving out from Earth to the edges of the known universe. Email Register@StandleyLakeStargazing.com to sign up!

Check back each weekday @ 5:00 pm for more observing guides and science news!

Learn more at: www.StandleyLakeStargazing.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/StandleyLakeStargazing

If you'd like to support us, visit www.patreon.com/StandleyLakeStargazing

Looking for a new telescope? The experts at Mile High Astronomy in Lakewood would love to help you out, visit them at www.milehighastro.com and www.facebook.com/MileHighAstro/

Leave comments and questions on our page and feel free to reach us directly at contact@standleylakestargazing.com. As always-

Stay well, and clear skies!