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Comet 65P-Gunn, infrared image
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Comet 65P-Gunn, infrared image
Comet 65P-Gunn, infrared image. This comet is a short-period one (6.79 years) that orbits the Sun inside the main asteroid belt between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered in 1970. This observation was made by NASAs Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) on 24 April 2010 (just one month after its closest approach to the Sun) in the constellation Capricornus. The comet (red) is colder in infrared than the surrounding stars (blue). Here, the comet is 392 million kilometres from Earth. Just ahead of the comet is a debris trail (fuzzy, red) along its orbit, a stage in the formation of a meteor shower
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Media ID 9273805
© NASA/JPL-CALTECH/WISE TEAM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2010 Ancient Astronomical Body Astrophysical Astrophysics Capricorn Capricornus Coma Comet Cometary Dust Infrared Nasa Nucleus Object Planetary Science Rock Solar System Space Telescope Tail Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer Wise Widefield
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This print showcases Comet 65P-Gunn in all its celestial glory. Captured by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) on April 24,2010, this infrared image reveals the comet's unique characteristics. With a short-period orbit of just 6.79 years, it gracefully traverses the space between Mars and Jupiter within the main asteroid belt. Discovered in 1970, this ancient object has fascinated astronomers for decades. The image highlights the stark contrast between the comet (emitting a mesmerizing red hue) and the surrounding stars (radiating a cool blue). This disparity is due to the comet being colder in infrared than its stellar counterparts. Located approximately 392 million kilometers away from Earth at that moment, Comet 65P-Gunn is accompanied by a striking debris trail along its orbit—a significant stage in meteor shower formation. Comprised of cometary rock, ice, dust particles, and other materials, this ethereal tail adds to the allure of this cosmic spectacle. The photograph offers an extraordinary glimpse into our solar system's wonders and serves as a testament to humanity's ongoing exploration of astrophysics and planetary science. As we continue to study these astronomical bodies with advanced technologies like WISE—an invaluable space telescope—our understanding of comets and their role in shaping our universe deepens further.
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