NASA Dawn mission

Ceres, with bright spots in its Occator Crater, is seen here in a "false color" image that reflects its surface composition. New analysis says the spots are caused by a type of salt.

Science

Bright Spots On Ceres Aren't Signs Of Alien Civilizations, Studies Say

12:40pm December 10, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Two new studies of the dwarf planet might make it harder for people to imagine Ceres as a space colony or way station for an advanced race.

An image of Ceres taken by NASA's Dawn spacecraft shows the two mysterious, bright spots on the dwarf planet.

Science

NASA Probe Prepares For Its Final Pass Around Ceres

12:12pm November 26, 2015

by Joe Palca

The dwarf planet most recently is famous for the two mysterious, bright spots on its surface.

The Occator crater on the dwarf planet Ceres holds bright spots that are unlike any other area on the planet's surface, NASA says. This image's resolution is around 450 feet per pixel.

Science

Bright Spots On Dwarf Planet Ceres 'Gleam With Mystery,' NASA Says

2:48pm September 10, 2015

by Bill Chappell

New images taken by the Dawn spacecraft have "transformed what was so recently a few bright dots into a complex and beautiful, gleaming landscape," a NASA mission director says.

A "cluster of mysterious bright spots" can be seen on the dwarf planet Ceres, NASA says. The image was taken by the Dawn spacecraft, in orbit of Ceres.

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Science

NASA Flummoxed By Dwarf Planet's Bright Spots, 'Pyramid-Shaped Peak'

1:01pm June 23, 2015

by Bill Chappell

The view captured by the Dawn spacecraft this month "shows even more small spots in the crater than were previously visible," NASA says.