 |
Comet from coldest spot in solar system has material from hottest places
Scientists analyzing recent samples of comet dust have discovered minerals that formed near the sun or other stars. That means materials from the innermost part of the solar system could have traveled to the outer reaches, where comets formed. more
> |
 |
UW
astronomer hits cosmic paydirt with
Stardust
Scientists at the Johnson Space
Center in Houston were excited and awed Tuesday by what
they saw when the sample-return canister from the
Stardust spacecraft was opened. more
> |
 |
Stardust
parachutes to soft landing in Utah with dust samples
from comet
Nearly
seven years after setting off in pursuit of comet Wild
2, the Stardust return capsule streaked across the night
sky of the Western United States early today, making a
soft parachute landing in the Utah desert southwest of
Salt Lake City. more
>
|
 |
Stardust
nears end of epic journey; researchers await its
treasure
Donald
Brownlee's heart skipped a beat seven years ago when the
launch of the Stardust spacecraft didn't happen as
planned. The University of Washington astronomy
professor has experienced many other tense times since
the historic mission blasted off a day late, and its
return to Earth on Jan. 15 will be just one more
white-knuckle moment. more
>
|
 |
A
celestial surprise: Comet Wild 2 unlike any other body
in solar system
When
the Stardust spacecraft met up with comet Wild 2 in
January, scientists fully expected pictures to show a
big chunk of rock and ice liberally coated with dark
dust, obscuring any interesting features. more
>
|
 |
Comet
encounter is key moment in UW astronomer's long
scientific quest
After a nearly five-year chase, the
Stardust spacecraft will finally meet comet Wild 2 on
the day after New Year's. It's a moment Donald Brownlee
has anticipated for nearly 25 years. more
> |
 |
Flyby
of Annefrank asteroid to help Stardust prepare for
primary mission
It
will be a moment tinged with history when the Stardust
spacecraft makes an encounter with Asteroid 5535
Annefrank this weekend. The flyby will test many of the
systems and procedures to be used when Stardust makes
its encounter with comet Wild 2 in little more than a
year. more
>
|
