Are “lost ship” in a comet – The New Dia.com

<- storyWordCntr: 440 ->

Scientists who analyzed images taken by the spacecraft Rosetta, Philae were able to find the small module, which was hidden in the shadow of a dark crack in the surface of comet 67P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the European Space Agency reported.

The photos were taken on September 2 from a distance of just 1.67 miles (2.7 km) from the surface of Comet 67P.

Philae became the first spacecraft to achieve roost on the surface of a comet in November 2014. the mission was successful even though its duration was shorter than planned.

After bouncing a few times on the surface failing systems try to hold or anchor the small module comet 67P, Philae ended roosting in a crack that prevented sunlight received continuously. This caused the solar panels of the ship not recharged effectively batteries Philae, so the ship worked intermittently for a limited time.

However, the mission has been a success and scientists noted that many of the studies and images were obtained by Rosetta, the main nave which has remained orbiting the comet 67P since August 2014. the mission will culminate in several weeks when Rosetta approaches the comet’s surface as will be capturing images very close curious space object.

Rosetta descend towards comet 67P September 30, as currently the comet is moving away from Earth to Jupiter’s orbit, so that sunlight will not be enough solar panels to provide energy to the spacecraft instruments.

Among the findings that accomplished the mission, Rosetta discovered water vapor, molecular oxygen and even some ingredients for the formation of life. The mission detected the presence of 16 organic compounds, some with high content of nitrogen and carbon. Several of the organic compounds found, such as acetone, had never been detected in comets.

Although comets are composed mainly of ice and dust, the Philae spacecraft also detected carbon monoxide and up to formaldehyde, which is relates to the formation of ribose, which in turn can form DNA.

portrayed the comet from Puerto Rico

Efrain Morales, one of the astrophotographers of the Astronomical Society of the Caribbean (SAC), had captured images of comet 67P from his home in Aguadilla, reported the educational institution in a statement.

Morales photographed celestial object at a time when the comet 67P it was 168 million miles (270 million km) from Earth.