Back when Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon, a whole world gasped in awe. Now that Philae has also achieved the near impossible by landing on the surface of 67P/G-C, the world experienced the same feeling once more. After its historic landing on the comet on November 12th, the Philae robotic lander began sending readings and data back to Earth. Now, Philae sent its final message … [Read more...]
Asteroid with Comet-like Tail from Hygiea Family Discovered
Astronomers made a unique discovery in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter, finding what they call an active asteroid with a comet-like tail. Researchers were not expecting such a discovery as the recently observed asteroid would represent the first comet-like body in the Hygiea family. Dubbed 62412, the asteroid is no novelty to astronomers. However, until now, scientists had … [Read more...]
ESA in for 7 Hours of Terror During Risky Comet Landing
The European Space Agency (ESA) will be attempting one of its most difficult missions to date as it will try to land a probe on the surface of a comet whizzing through space. If successful, the mission will be the first of its kind. The robotic Philae probe will be landing on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko’s surface on Wednesday, the 12th of November. 69P/C-G is approximately 2.5 miles wide … [Read more...]
Comet Smells Like Urine and Rotten Eggs, Scientists Say
Scientists have finally answered one question that has apparently troubled many minds for some time now: What does a comet in space smell like? Granted, it may not have been the first thing on your mind, however, researchers, with the help of a European spacecraft orbiting the 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet have determined what the odor of a comet may be. "It stinks," Kathrin Altwegg, … [Read more...]
Comet Flies by Mars in Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
During an extremely rare fly-by, comet Siding Spring zoomed by Mars on October 19th in an event that scientists bill as being once-in-a-lifetime. The event could help astronomers better understand what occurred during the earliest days of our solar system. Siding Spring flew as close as 87,000 miles to the Martian surface at 2:27 PM EDT-approximately one third of the distance between Earth and … [Read more...]
ESA Chose Comet Landing Site for Rosetta Space Mission
Rosetta, the European Space Agency comet chaser has finally learned its landing site. Rosetta was launched ten years ago by ESA to examine Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. This space mission is unprecedented, as Rosetta will deploy Philae, a robotic lander, on the comet. Philae will be the first lander on a comet and will provide invaluable information about the mysterious blocks of ice and mud … [Read more...]
Meteor Shower, the First-Ever Camelopardalid Showed Up
A distinctive meteor shower sparkled the skies all over North America on Saturday. Going by the records of the responses from social media it seemed to be successful thriftily in some places on the night of the 23rd and the morning of the 24th from dusk till dawn. "Just saw a awesomely bright meteor with a blue tail!! #MeteorShower," Twitter user Carmen said from Chicago. "Guess anyone who … [Read more...]
