Posted on 02/13/2011 10:53:36 AM PST by BenLurkin
During the encounter, Stardust will take dozens of high-resolution images of Tempel 1′s nucleus and coma, a fuzzy halo of gas and dust. It will also use its two dust detectors to measure the size and makeup of dust grains. The spacecraft is equipped with a protective shield to deflect potentially dangerous particles as it zips past.
(Excerpt) Read more at losangeles.cbslocal.com ...
I did not see the size of the comet in the article.
From Wikipedia: Its nucleus measures 7.6×4.9 km (or roughly 4.7 by 3 miles.)
Are we going to get to see it?
From the article:
The Stardust craft is expected to fly within 125 miles of comet Tempel 1 on Valentine’s night, snapping pictures of the surface.
There will be a delay. It seems that the craft will observe the comet, but in order to do this the craft will not be able to it in real time. It will have to realign itself, pointing at Earth, then will send the data.
Probably — might even be “live” on NASA website.
Is this the comet we planted our flag on ?
needs butter sour cream and chives
What I mean is,will we able to see it the sky at night.
NASA? Since when are they in the space business, thought they were in the islamic feel good business or the ponzi scam global warming business. Does this craft use wind or solar fuel to get off the ground?
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