Rosetta spacecraft sees possible 'double' comet

Sciencenews.org ^ | July 17, 2014 | Ashley Yeager

[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.

[cripplecreek]

Rosetta drop a lander on the comet/comets. It should be interesting if you're into that stuff.

[cripplecreek]

New Rosetta mission pic.

[tet68]

Not a bad pic from 12,000 k away.

[cripplecreek]

They're mating. Its comet porn.

[ETL 2]

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’.

[ETL 2]

The “Rosetta Stone” (from space).

[cripplecreek]

They aren't fooling me. I know the head of a giant Gorn statue when I see one.

[tet68]

Pretty amazing when you think about it.
Close ups and the landing should be awesome.

[ETL 2]

Isn’t that the critter Capt Kirk battled one-on-one on a Star Trek episode?

[cripplecreek]

Its arriving on August 6th.

http://rosetta.jpl.nasa.gov/

[BenLurkin]

Looks like setting down on that might be a little tricky.

[cripplecreek]

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.

[tanstaafl44]

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?

[Redcitizen]

I met the actor who played the GORN. He’s still alive and kicking.

[ETL 2]

[Redcitizen]

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks cripplecreek.

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[SunkenCiv]

Thanks cripplecreek, extra to APoD.

[Monkey Face]

Good ones! LOL!