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Rosetta spacecraft sees possible 'double' comet
Sciencenews.org ^
| July 17, 2014
| Ashley Yeager
Posted on 07/17/2014 4:55:29 PM PDT by cripplecreek
The comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko may actually be two objects stitched together. New images from ESA's Rosetta spacecraft show an odd constriction near the middle of the comet, suggesting that two clumps of matter may have merged in what scientists call a contact binary.
The conclusions are preliminary, as Rosetta was still roughly 12,000 kilometers away from the comet when the images were taken. The comet could also have had a more regular single shape with parts carved out through impacts or ice melting as the object circled the sun, mission scientists say. They will have more details about the comet's shape and how it could influence Rosetta's landing on the object next month when the spacecraft arrives at 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
TOPICS: Astronomy; Science
KEYWORDS: asteroids; catastrophism; churyumovgerasimenko; comet; comet67p; cometprobe; comets; philae; rosetta
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Rosetta drop a lander on the comet/comets. It should be interesting if you're into that stuff.
To: SunkenCiv
2
posted on
07/17/2014 4:57:17 PM PDT
by
cripplecreek
(Remember the River Raisin.)
To: cripplecreek
Not a bad pic from 12,000 k away.
3
posted on
07/17/2014 4:58:58 PM PDT
by
tet68
( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
To: tet68
They're mating. Its comet porn.
4
posted on
07/17/2014 5:01:28 PM PDT
by
cripplecreek
(Remember the River Raisin.)
Comment #5 Removed by Moderator
To: cripplecreek
Sorry, while I was trying to find the html code for images, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted one, you beat me to it! Should have checked prior to clicking ‘post’.
6
posted on
07/17/2014 5:06:40 PM PDT
by
ETL 2
To: cripplecreek
The “Rosetta Stone” (from space).
7
posted on
07/17/2014 5:08:16 PM PDT
by
ETL 2
To: ETL 2
They aren't fooling me. I know the head of a giant Gorn statue when I see one.
8
posted on
07/17/2014 5:09:25 PM PDT
by
cripplecreek
(Remember the River Raisin.)
To: cripplecreek
Pretty amazing when you think about it.
Close ups and the landing should be awesome.
9
posted on
07/17/2014 5:11:10 PM PDT
by
tet68
( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
To: cripplecreek
Isn’t that the critter Capt Kirk battled one-on-one on a Star Trek episode?
10
posted on
07/17/2014 5:12:53 PM PDT
by
ETL 2
To: tet68
11
posted on
07/17/2014 5:15:06 PM PDT
by
cripplecreek
(Remember the River Raisin.)
To: cripplecreek
Looks like setting down on that might be a little tricky.
12
posted on
07/17/2014 5:15:18 PM PDT
by
BenLurkin
(This is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion or satire; or both.)
To: BenLurkin
The landing probe will set down from an orbiter. If the orbit is in a geosynchronous orbit it should be a simple down. The lander has a spring loaded harpoon to stick itself to the surface.
13
posted on
07/17/2014 5:22:05 PM PDT
by
cripplecreek
(Remember the River Raisin.)
To: cripplecreek
what would a double-asteroid generation-starship entering a solar system, rotating around a common center-of-gravity to provide artificial gravity on-board look like?
To: ETL 2
I met the actor who played the GORN. He’s still alive and kicking.
15
posted on
07/17/2014 7:56:11 PM PDT
by
Redcitizen
(Hmph. Adventure. Heh. Excitement. Heh. A Jedi craves not these things.)
To: Redcitizen
16
posted on
07/17/2014 8:11:59 PM PDT
by
ETL 2
To: ETL 2
17
posted on
07/17/2014 8:54:18 PM PDT
by
Redcitizen
(Hmph. Adventure. Heh. Excitement. Heh. A Jedi craves not these things.)
To: 75thOVI; agrace; aimhigh; Alice in Wonderland; AndrewC; aragorn; aristotleman; Avoiding_Sulla; ...
18
posted on
07/19/2014 6:37:11 AM PDT
by
SunkenCiv
(https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
To: cripplecreek; brytlea; decimon; bigheadfred; KoRn; Grammy; steelyourfaith; Mmogamer; dayglored; ...
Thanks cripplecreek, extra to APoD.
19
posted on
07/19/2014 6:37:30 AM PDT
by
SunkenCiv
(https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
To: ETL 2; Redcitizen
20
posted on
07/19/2014 6:42:00 AM PDT
by
Monkey Face
(When I told you I was normal, I may have exaggerated slightly.)
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