Sun ID: 11416

Death Of A Comet

Story by Karen Fox Released on December 26, 2013

Comet ISON was born along with the solar system some 4.5 billion years ago. But after a close encounter with the sun, its time has finally come to an end. On November 28, 2013, the comet shot around the sun on a dangerous trajectory that brought it within 700,000 miles of the surface. As it disappeared from view of sun-observing spacecraft, scientists waited with bated breath to learn of its fate. Would the comet disintegrate in the fierce heat and gravity of the sun or remain intact? Some remnant of the comet did indeed survive the trip around the sun, but it quickly dimmed and fizzled, signaling a close to ISON's magnificent journey through space. Watch the video for a look at Comet ISON’s final moments.

For More Information

NASA.gov

Story Credits

Video Editor:
Scott Wiessinger (USRA)

Producer:
Scott Wiessinger (USRA)

Lead Scientists:
Karl Battams (Naval Research Laboratory)
C. Alex Young (NASA/GSFC)

Lead Writer:
Karen Fox (ADNET Systems, Inc.)

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Cover image courtesy of NASA/ESA/SOHO/SDO/Francis Reddy
Comet images courtesy of NASA/ESA/SOHO/SDO and NASA/ESA/SOHO/SDO/DSS/Francis Reddy

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https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/11416

Keywords:
SVS >> App
NASA Science >> Sun