News / More

European space probe takes detailed photos of comet

Saturday, 14 February 2015 11:23 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 14 February 2015 11:23 PM ]

A handout photo released on August 6, 2014 by the European Space Agency shows a close-up of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. (AFP photo)

The European Space Agency (ESA)’s Rosetta probe has flown within just six kilometers (less than 4 miles) of the comet it has been tracking for months, taking detailed photos.

The spacecraft reached so close above the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko on Saturday. It is expected to send images by Monday.

The achievement would not recur as the comet becomes increasingly active the nearer it gets to the sun and its tail increases in size.

Scientists at the ESA's European Space Operations Centre in the German city of Darmstadt want to investigate how gas and dust escape from the comet's surface.

Rosetta has been flying alongside the comet since August.

Rosetta caught up with the comet in November after a 10-year flight. The same month saw the spacecraft release the Philae lander to the comet's surface.

Philae, however, ran out of charge and cannot replenish its batteries as it is now placed in a dark spot on the comet.

Glimmer of hope

Mission controllers want to pin down Philae's location on the comet and hope its solar panel-powered battery will recharge as it nears the sun.

Comets are fast-moving lumps of ice and dust and are known to be the remnants of the birth of the Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old solar system.

Scientists say the rock and ice that make up the comet carry water and organic molecules like a time-capsule. They believe the Rosetta mission could provide insight into whether comets could have brought water to Earth and kick-started life on the planet.

HN/NN

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Europe