Picture of opened Hayabusa sample canister showing dust particles (image JAXA)

According to a BBC report earlier today, pictures have now been released by JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) showing particles collected by the Hayabusa spacecraft. The image above shows the opened canister, with what appear to be quite large particles. The second image below shows somewhat smaller grains. According to the BBC article, researchers are confident that the particles collected by Hayabusa are from the asteroid Itokawa.

Small particle being picked up by quartz manipulator needle (image JAXA)

LINK: BBC article

Many thanks to Dr Diane Johnson for bringing the BBC news item to my attention.