Hartley 2, Close Up
Date: 4 Nov 2010
The extended Deep Impact-EPOXI mission captured this surprising view of the unusual comet Hartley 2.
This image shows part of Hartley 2's nucleus. The sun is illuminating the nucleus from the right. A distinct cloud of individual particles is visible. This image was obtained on 4 November 2010, the day the spacecraft made its closest approach to the comet.
What Scientists/Engineers Say About This Image:
"What a great view of an active comet nucleus."
--Peter Jenniskens: Research Scientist, SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center
(Read More of what Peter Jenniskens has to say about this and other significant events by clicking here.)
Last Update: 28 Mar 2011 (AMB)