Comet Ison 'May Have Survived' Brush With Sun -
Astronomers tracking what they hoped would be the "comet of the century" say some of it may have survived its close encounter with the Sun.
It was first reported that the Comet Ison's nucleus and tail had been destroyed by the Sun's radiation and tidal forces but the European Space Agency (ESA) said the "story continues".
The agency tweeted on Friday: "Well, well, seems reports of comet #Ison's demise have been greatly exaggerated."
The latest pictures appear to show a brightening of a chunk of the comet which has caused a surge in excitement among skygazers.
It is hard to know what has happened but experts say dust and gas are being released and the tail may be growing back.
If it is visible in the night sky, it is too soon to know how bright it will be or how long it will last.
Comet Ison, which had been hurtling through space at speeds of 845,000mph, was due to pass within 730,000 miles of the surface of the star last night at 6.37pm UK time.
It was expected to be met with temperatures of about 2,700C (4,892F) and an intense gravitational pull as it prepared for its solar slingshot.
Read more -
Astronomers tracking what they hoped would be the "comet of the century" say some of it may have survived its close encounter with the Sun.
It was first reported that the Comet Ison's nucleus and tail had been destroyed by the Sun's radiation and tidal forces but the European Space Agency (ESA) said the "story continues".
The agency tweeted on Friday: "Well, well, seems reports of comet #Ison's demise have been greatly exaggerated."
The latest pictures appear to show a brightening of a chunk of the comet which has caused a surge in excitement among skygazers.
It is hard to know what has happened but experts say dust and gas are being released and the tail may be growing back.
If it is visible in the night sky, it is too soon to know how bright it will be or how long it will last.
Comet Ison, which had been hurtling through space at speeds of 845,000mph, was due to pass within 730,000 miles of the surface of the star last night at 6.37pm UK time.
It was expected to be met with temperatures of about 2,700C (4,892F) and an intense gravitational pull as it prepared for its solar slingshot.
Read more -
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