Japan's SLIM probe sent this creepy photo from the moon before going into two weeks of "hibernation"

The module that landed on the Moon last month has entered a two-week "hibernation" period, from which it may not return.

The long-awaited landing of the Japanese lunar exploration device on January 20 was marked by SLIM flipping more than necessary—resulting in its solar panels being deployed in the wrong direction. A week later, JAXA reported that it had restored communication with the device and it had started working, eventually sending back several images.

The last one was taken in the Shioli crater just before dusk:

Last night (1/31 ~ 2/1) we sent a command to switch on #SLIM's communicator again just in case, but with no response, we confirmed SLIM had entered a dormant state. This is the last scene of the Moon taken by SLIM before dusk. #GoodAfterMoon#JAXApic.twitter.com/V1iAUoxJFK

— 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) February 1, 2024

The lunar night lasts two Earth weeks, and the temperature in the region can reach up to -170°C during this time, which is potentially dangerous for SLIM's electronics.

On February 15, the team will attempt to establish communication with the device again and turn it on, but regardless of the outcome, the module has indeed achieved the full and extended goal of its mission—making a precise landing, deploying a couple of small lunar rovers, and collecting a huge amount of scientific data.

"We are conducting analyses to identify rock formations and assess the chemical composition of minerals—data that will help unravel the mystery of the Moon's origin. The results will be announced immediately after the completion of the research," said JAXA in a statement (via Space).