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Comet 67P and coma

Comet 67P and coma, image by Rosetta’s navigation camera 2015

As Comet 67P approaches the Sun, the solar heat causes the gaseous ice to evaporate. This gas streams away, carrying along large amounts of dust, and together, they build up the comet coma or tail. This image was taken by Rosetta’s navigation camera on 21 June 2015 when the spacecraft was 177 km from the comet.

Rights: ESA/Rosetta/NavCam
Published:27 August 2015Size: 303.63 KB