NEAR image of the day for 2000 Sep 18

This montage shows structural features on Eros obtained by NEAR Shoemaker from several different orbits. Any underlying, deep-seated structures probably formed as a result of large impacts to the asteroid's surface, in the same way that a car windshield fractures when it is hit by a stone. Later, movement of regolith may have modified the structure's surface expressions.

Troughs -- Shallow troughs (top left) are found within the saddle region of Eros and are very closely aligned. A large flat-floored trough (bottom left) is found in the saddle. (It's distinctive bright and dark pattern is very recognizable in the Image of the Day for June 28 and July 6 .)

Pits -- The top right image shows a chain of pits, most likely the result of loose regolith (impact-derived soil) draining into a crack on the asteroid's surface.

Ridges -- At center, right is the ridge that winds from Eros' saddle area (see the Image of the Day for March 20 ) around the north pole down to the 5.3-km crater.

Fractures -- The center image shows the region where the ridge ends. The ridge comes up from the bottom of the image and, near the center, appears to turn into a set of small fractures.

Grooves -- The bottom, right image shows grooves on a relatively smooth area of Eros' western hemisphere. These are evenly spaced and some look like they have raised rims.