This composite of images taken by NASA’s Psyche mission shows the Mars crescent growing as the spacecraft approaches the planet for gravitational assistance from May 2 to 15, 2026. The series begins with the smaller crescent in the center of the image when Mars is furthest from the spacecraft, and progressively grows larger as the spacecraft approaches. After these views were captured by the spacecraft’s multispectral imaging instrument, Mars began to overfill the field of view as Psyche approached the planet and captured a series of high-resolution images of the surface.

Because Psyche approached Mars from a high phase angle, the planet appeared as a thin crescent in the days before the approach, illuminated by sunlight reflected from its surface. Using these views of Mars’ approach, approach, and departure, the Psyche team compiled a stunning time-lapse of its entire encounter with Mars.

For more information about NASA’s Psyche mission, visit:

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/