Thursday, March 20, 2008

This Comet Won't Give Up!

Remember Comet "Hale-Bopp" blazing through our night sky ten years ago, before it headed out into the far reaches of the cold, Neptunian space?  We all expected it would've frozen over by now.

             

This image of Hale-Bopp was made last October when the comet was nearly 2.4 billion miles from the sun.  Looks pretty startling to me!  Researchers have determined that the nucleus is still releasing carbon monoxide gas into a coma more than 100,000 miles wide!  Not bad for an ice cube. 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I bet u could have a lot of cool drinks with that ice cube.  So could to see your entry.  Have missed you.

Anonymous said...

No, not bad at all!!  2.4 billion miles....mind boggling to me.  Wishing you a happy Easter.
xx
Lisa

Anonymous said...

That is a WOW thought.  Really.

Anonymous said...

Not quite an afternoon stroll, Cathy, 2.4 bn miles. Nonetheless, well done that comet!

Anonymous said...

Wow!  I had no idea it was still around!  Cool!

be well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/

Anonymous said...

Wow!  Very cool!
Lori

Anonymous said...

Excellent picture. Love Pam xx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/pamal3/almost-40/

Anonymous said...

What a lovely picture, it inspires awe at the scope of the universe.--Sheria