Comet Hartley 2 Flyby: Incredible Images from NASA's Deep Impact Probe

In summary, NASA's Deep Impact probe flew past Comet Hartley 2 and is now transmitting data to mission control at JPL. The probe captured photos of jets of volatile materials gassing off from the shaded side of the comet, and it is believed that cyanogen gas is being evaporated. More photos and data are expected to be released in the future.
  • #1
Andre
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..are here

This morning, NASA's Deep Impact (EPOXI) probe flew past Comet Hartley 2 only 435 miles from the comet's active nucleus. The spacecraft has since turned its high-gain antenna toward Earth and data are being transmitted to mission control at JPL.

Amazing (Credit NASA)
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  • #2
Interesting - jets of volatile materials gassing off from the shaded side of the comet...
 
  • #3
That is such a cool picture to be honest, Would anyone possibly know what kind of gas is evaporating from that comet?or that hasn't been analyzed yet.
 
  • #4
Sniperman724 said:
That is such a cool picture to be honest, Would anyone possibly know what kind of gas is evaporating from that comet?or that hasn't been analyzed yet.
I'll bet that they have spectra, so we'll find out. Cyanogen off-gassing perhaps.
 
  • #5
Andre, is there a sight with more photos posted?
 

What is Comet Hartley and why are pictures of it important?

Comet Hartley, also known as 103P/Hartley, is a periodic comet within our solar system that was discovered in 1986. Pictures of this comet are important because they provide valuable information about its composition, behavior, and trajectory.

How are pictures of Comet Hartley taken?

Pictures of Comet Hartley are usually taken using telescopes, both on Earth and in space. These telescopes use advanced cameras and imaging techniques to capture detailed images of the comet.

What do Comet Hartley pictures reveal about the comet?

Comet Hartley pictures can reveal important information about the comet's structure, surface features, and outgassing activity. They can also provide insight into the comet's composition and any changes that may occur over time.

What challenges are involved in taking pictures of Comet Hartley?

One of the main challenges in taking pictures of Comet Hartley is its relatively small size and distance from Earth. This makes it difficult to capture detailed images and requires advanced equipment and techniques. Additionally, the comet's fast movement and changing brightness can also pose challenges for capturing clear images.

What have we learned from pictures of Comet Hartley?

Through pictures of Comet Hartley, scientists have been able to learn more about the comet's composition, structure, and behavior. They have also gained a better understanding of how comets form and evolve over time, providing valuable insights into the origins of our solar system.

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