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 NASA said Monday that the Hubble Space Telescope is the best bet
for figuring out whether Comet ISON disintegrated during its brush
with the sun last week.
A pair of solar observatories saw something emerge from around the
sun following ISON's close approach on Thanksgiving Day. But
scientists don't know whether the spot of light was merely the
comet's shattered remains or what's left of its icy nucleus. Either
way, by now, they say it may be just dust.
Over the coming week or two, scientists will keep a lookout for any
brightening, which could indicate what, if anything is left. Hubble
should put the matter to rest in mid-December, when the comet's
remains are far enough from the sun for safe viewing.
As for us earthlings, there appears to be little chance of spotting
what's left of the comet with the naked eye. Whatever is left will
pass closest to Earth on Dec. 26; it will keep a safe 40 million
miles away.
ISON was making its first visit to the inner solar system, after
traveling from the Oort cloud on the fringes of the solar system,
home to countless icy bodies, most notably the frozen balls of dust
and gas in orbit around the sun known as comets
It was discovered by Russian astronomers last year and, early on,
was predicted to become the comet of the century because of its
brightness. Indeed, ISON would have wowed observers if it had
survived the sun's fury. NASA turned all its space eyes on the sun-grazing comet throughout
the year, watching as ISON advanced ever closer. Even scientists
were left wondering whether the comet would survive its encounter
with the sun from just 730,000 miles out.
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In an online blog, the Naval Research Laboratory's Karl Battams paid
tribute Monday to ISON and suggested that donations be made to
astronomy clubs, observatories or charities supporting science and
math education for children.
"Never one to follow convention, ISON lived a dynamic and
unpredictable life, alternating between periods of quiet reflection
and violent outburst," Battams, an astrophysicist, wrote. "Comet
ISON leaves behind an unprecedented legacy for astronomers, and the
eternal gratitude of an enthralled global audience."
___
Online:
NASA: http://www.nasa.gov/ison/
ISON Observing Campaign:
http://www.isoncampaign.org/
[Associated
Press; MARCIA DUNN, AP Aerospace Writer]
Copyright 2013 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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