Comet ISON, April 2013 C015 / 9817

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Comet ISON, April 2013 C015 / 9817

Comet ISON (C/2012 S1), as observed on 10 April 2013 by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). This comet was discovered on 21 September 2012 by the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON). Here, it is 621 million kilometres from the Sun, and 634 million kilometres from the Earth. It will pass close to the Sun in November 2013, increasing greatly in brightness. The area visible here is over 80, 000 kilometres across, and was obtained by the HSTs Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) instrument. The cometary nucleus itself is only a few kilometres across. This is an enhanced view of the comets coma (see C015/9816)

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Media ID 9239351

© NASA/ESA/STSCI/J.-Y. LI (PLANETARY SCIENCE INSTITUTE)/HUBBLE COMET ISON IMAGING SCIENCE TEAM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

2013 April Astronomical Body Astrophysical Astrophysics Brightness Coma Comet Cometary Nucleus Dust Enhanced Outgassing Solar System Space Telescope Space Telescope Image Tail Wfc3 Wide Field Camera 3

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> Science > Space Exploration > Hubble Telescope

> Science > Space Exploration > Telescopes Optical

EDITORS COMMENTS
This breathtaking print captures the majestic beauty of Comet ISON, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2013. Discovered just a few months earlier by the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON), this comet was already making waves in the astronomical community. At a staggering distance of 621 million kilometers from the Sun and 634 million kilometers from Earth, it presented an awe-inspiring sight. The image showcases an area spanning over 80,000 kilometers across, revealing intricate details of the comet's coma - its glowing envelope of gas and dust surrounding its nucleus. Although only a few kilometers wide itself, this celestial wanderer is set to increase greatly in brightness as it approaches its close encounter with our star in November later that year. Captured using HST's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) instrument, this enhanced view offers us a glimpse into the complex dynamics at play within comets. As sunlight interacts with volatile materials on their surface, they release gases and create beautiful tails that stretch outwards for millions of kilometers. Comet ISON represents not only a remarkable scientific discovery but also serves as a reminder of our place within the vastness of space. Its journey through our solar system provides astronomers with valuable insights into astrophysical phenomena while captivating audiences worldwide with its ethereal splendor. This stunning photograph stands as testament to humanity's insatiable curiosity about our universe and our relentless pursuit to unravel its mysteries.

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