China’s Yutu-2 lunar rover has sent back captivating images from the far side of the moon, adding a festive twist in anticipation of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The rover, part of the Chang’e-4 mission, captured marks on the lunar surface resembling a mooncake, a traditional symbol of the festival.
Launched and landed on the moon on January 3, 2019, Yutu-2 has now traveled an impressive 1,613 meters, making it the longest-working rover on the lunar surface. Completing its work for the 71st lunar day, the rover has operated for nearly five years and nine months, far exceeding its original three-month mission lifespan.
On September 10, the rover beamed back the intriguing photo of the mooncake-like tracks. Zuo Wei, the deputy chief designer of the Chang’e-4 mission’s ground application system, interpreted this as the rover’s way of celebrating the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Tuesday this year.
“I think maybe it’s because the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and it wants to draw a mooncake pattern to echo the festive theme,” Zuo told China Media Group (CMG).
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most significant traditional holidays for Chinese people, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Yutu-2’s unexpected gesture adds a touch of humanity to the vast expanse of space, connecting people on Earth with their celestial neighbor in a heartwarming way.
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China's Yutu-2 lunar rover beams back images from moon's far side
cgtn.com