Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Ever wanted to see a comet up close? You're in luck

The photos were shot from a distance of 30km or less.

THE EUROPEAN SPACE Agency (ESA) has released some incredible close-up images of a comet.

The organisation’s Optical, Spectrocopic and Infrared Remote Imaging System (OSIRIS) took the below images of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in September and October.

OSIRIS uses a 16-bit camera, meaning one image can comprise a range of more than 65,000 shades of grey – much more than a standard computer or phone monitor can display.

As a result, OSIRIS can see black surfaces darker than coal together with white spots as bright as snow in the same image.

The ESA is hoping to land its Rosetta spacecraft on the comet on Wednesday.

Comet_detail_30_October_2014_a_node_full_image_2 An image of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko taken on 30 October 2014 by the OSIRIS from a distance of approximately 30km. European Space Agency European Space Agency

Comet_detail_30_October_2014_b_node_full_image_2 Comet 67P on 30 October. European Space Agency European Space Agency

The_dark_side_of_the_comet_node_full_image_2 Comet 67P pictured on 29 September, from approximately 19km away.

These stunning Hubble images show us the secrets of the universe

These nighttime photos from the International Space Station look like something out of a horror movie

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Órla Ryan
View 15 comments
Close
15 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds