Carolyn Shoemaker, Hunter of Comets and Asteroids, Dies at 92

Remembering Carolyn Shoemaker (1929–2021)

20 years ago today, NEAR Shoemaker landed on Eros, becoming the first spacecraft in history to touch down on an asteroid. The spacecraft launched, reached, and landed on Eros (named after the Greek god of love) during Valentine’s week in 1996, 2000, and 2001, respectively.