Friday, November 29, 2013
Did Comet ISON survive? Scientists see tiny hope
In this frame grab taken from enhanced video made by NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft, Comet ISON, left, approaches the sun on Nov. 25.
Spacecraft images suggest Comet ISON may have just survived its close encounter with the sun on Thursday.
STOCKHOLM — Scientists are studying spacecraft images to find out whether a small part of Comet ISON survived its close encounter with the sun.
The comet at first seemed to have fallen apart as it approached the sun's sizzling surface, but new images Friday showed a streak of light that some said could indicate it wasn't game over just yet.
U.S. Navy solar researcher Karl Battams wrote on his blog that "it does appear that at least some small fraction of ISON has remained in one piece." He cautioned that even if there is a solid nucleus, it may not survive for long.
The European Space Agency, which had declared ISON's death on Twitter late Thursday, was backtracking early Friday, saying the comet "continues to surprise."
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By Associated Press
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