Highest-resolution image of Wild 2

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NASA / JPL-Caltech

Highest-resolution image of Wild 2

This short-exposure image was taken only 4 seconds before Stardust's closest approach to comet Wild 2, from a distance of less than 240 kilometers (150 miles). Scientists used this image to name the features on Wild 2. The most prominent deep depressions, near the right side, are called "Left Foot" and "Right Foot" because of their resemblance to footprints in snow. They are located near Wild 2's rotational pole. The bright region near the left side is called Mayo. The bite out of the lower left side is a deep basin called Shoemaker, and the bite out of the upper right side is a basin called Walker.

Most NASA images are in the public domain. Reuse of this image is governed by NASA's image use policy.

Original image data dated on or about January 2, 2004

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