Here comes to capture your attention with its name very less used when it comes to the research and study of our Universe. Sun, Moon and various planets cover most of the news but the recent news on comet will definitely make you think about it for once. We never think that about those smaller objects like asteroids and comets which an eminent part of our solar system is. The reason being very little changes has been observed since last 4.5 billion years or more than that.
The mission of European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft was to delve deep inside to study about it. The probe set into orbit around Comet 67P/Churyumov –Gerasimenko this week. Now this study will be an exclusive and interesting one as a long term study of comets has yet not taken place before which will include accumulating sample of surface material.
We have always read articles and news: band of light covering the sky which is so instantaneous, vanishing in a moment. At the same time we have read lots about eclipses and their patters. But comets always less heard in the news or study. They were even considered unlucky or related with some unlucky incidents in old days.
But with the advancement in science and technology and a strong panel of research teams, we now know that there are comets which are not one time visible, they do occur more than once like the famous Halley ’s Comet . It certainly means now comets have become an important part of study like other planets, asteroids and astronomical bodies.
Comets are relatively smaller in size and very minute for close observation. It took 10 years for Rosetta to get launched, since comets 67P’s gravity is too less to keep Rosetta in Orbit. After prolonged research it has been found that Rosetta can now stay for 10 years in the orbit hence capable of explaining many things happening on the comet’s surface.
Deborah Campbell
