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European space probe takes detailed photos of comet
[Iran Press TV] 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. Posted by: Fred 2015-02-15 |
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