These images taken during approach to the asteroid are used by mission navigators and operators to make the proper corrections in the spacecraft's trajectory during the critical burns coming up on Feb. 8 and Feb. 14.

As an added bonus, these "OpNav" (optical navigation) images provide an increasingly detailed view of su rface features on the asteroid.

The resolution has increased to about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) per pixel, revealing the presence of 3 small craters on the surface.

Over the next 10 days our view of the surface will become increasingly detailed and will allow for nearly global low resolution mapping of the asteroid before NEAR goes into orbit about Eros on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

Once in orbit, NEAR's suite of scientific instruments will allow for global mapping of the asteroid at very high resolution.

Science activities conducted this week include:

• Eros Satellite seat B on 1/28/2000
• MSI/NIS Light Curve 4 on 1/29/2000
• NIS Mirror Plane Test on 1/31/2000
• MSI Support Images on 1/31/2000
• NIS Mirror Geometry Test on 2/1/2000
• MSI Support Images on 2/1/2000

Upcoming Spacecraft Activities:

In addition to regular DSN tracking and taking of OpNav images, the following are operationally significant activities planned through Eros orbit insertion. Please consult the NEAR Flight Timeline for more details regarding upcoming science activities.

• Feb 4   Navigation Eros Landmark Movie
• Feb 8   Rendezvous Maneuver and Momentum Bias (22:00:00 UTC)
• Feb 9   Eros Satellite Search D
• Feb 14  Eros Orbit Insertion

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