NASA's Psyche Probe Captures Rare Crescent Image of Mars Ahead of Flyby

NASA's Psyche spacecraft has captured a stunning, unprocessed image of Mars appearing as a bright silver crescent, clarifying that the visual is not a solar eclipse. The image was taken on May 13, 2026, as the asteroid-bound probe approached the Red Planet for a scheduled flyby on May 15. NASA shared the photograph on its social media channels, explaining that the glowing arc results from sunlight reflecting off the Martian day side and passing through the planet's atmosphere. The agency noted that irregularities in the crescent shape are likely caused by surface features, dust, and clouds within the Martian atmosphere. This rare perspective shows the night side of Mars as the spacecraft closes in. The upcoming flyby will bring Psyche within approximately 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers) of Mars, traveling at speeds of 12,333 miles per hour (19,848 kph). This close encounter allows the mission to capture detailed imagery and utilize the planet's gravity for trajectory adjustments before continuing its primary journey to the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. The event highlights the technical capabilities of the probe and offers the public a unique view of our planetary neighbor.