Asteroid 253 Mathilde - NASA Spacecraft Imaging and Surface Features #16166 (License: Personal Use)

This image depicts asteroid 253 Mathilde, a large carbonaceous (C-type) asteroid visited by NASA’s NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft in 1997. Its dark, heavily cratered surface indicates an ancient, primitive body with minimal geological activity. The irregular shape and numerous impact craters provide insights into the early solar system’s collisional history.

Used on astronomy, planetary science, or space mission web pages to illustrate asteroid morphology; supports educational content about near-Earth objects and NASA exploration missions.