The instrument Alice , on board the probe Rosetta which aims to study the 67P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko, has successfully made its first delivery of data.
According to the information captured by the instrument developed by the Nasa , which aims to investigate the origin, composition and functioning of the comet, this space rock is unusually dark even more than coal – when viewed in ultraviolet wavelengths
In addition, on the surface there are no large patches of ice, as was what scientists expected
Alan Stern, a scientist at the Institute.. Southwest Research in Boulder, Colorado (USA), said that “we are a bit surprised by the low reflectivity of the surface of the comet and the little evidence of ice exposed.”
In the coma of comet -the cloud of dust and gas surrounding the core-, Alice also failed to detect hydrogen and oxygen.
The Rosetta probe of the European Space Agency (ESA), has traveled for 10 years to finally meet their goal. According to plans, in November this year will be displayed on the surface of the comet lander Philae, in a place yet to be decided (on 15 September).
Rosetta probe prepares to land in Comet 67 / P
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