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June 18, 2004
Because it's there
This is the real reason why exploring space is important. We may think we know what we're going to find, but we don't. For example, a comet in our own solar backyard has baffled space scientists by refusing to conform to our ideas of how comets should act. Silly comet.
A detailed analysis of the comet Wild 2 (pronounced "Vilt 2") has left astronomers astounded at an object that has no known peers in the solar system.
The comet, examined in a close flyby in January by NASA's Stardust spacecraft, has towering protrusions and steep-walled craters that seem to defy gravity. More than a dozen jets of material shoot out from its insides. Dust swirls around the comet in unexpectedly dense pockets.
Posted by Chris at June 18, 2004 09:50 AM