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Credit & Copyright: ESA
Explanation:
Today humanity will make its first attempt to land a probe on the nucleus of a comet.
As the
day progresses, the
Philae (fee-LAY) lander will separate from the
Rosetta spacecraft and head down to the surface of
Comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko.
Since the texture of the comet's surface is unknown and its surface gravity is surely
low,
Philae will then attempt
to harpoon itself down, something that has never been done before.
Featured here is an artist's illustration of
dishwasher-sized
Philae as it might look on
Comet ChuryumovGerasimenko's surface,
along with explanation
balloons
detailing onboard scientific instruments.
Many people on a blue planet
across the Solar System will be
eagerly awaiting
news and
updates.
Whether Philae actually lands,
whether it
lands
on a smooth patch, whether the harpoons take hold,
and how far the
robotic lander sinks into the surface should all become known as events unfold
today.
Comet lander updates:
From ESA
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: comet nucleus - landing
Publications with words: comet nucleus - landing
See also: