Not Long Until Touchdown

[bibblebub]

The Philae lander from the Rosetta mission is due to land on Comet 67P in about an hour (but it will take just under 1/2 hour for confirmation to be received).

Here's the latest from the European Space Agency website for the mission

http://rosetta.esa.int/

[Old_Geezer]

Oh be fair, she was gobsmacked.

[mibn2cweus]

I foresee a new dance move on the 'rizon . . . The Philae Bounce.

[DTCwordfan]

Anybody see that comet simulation on the TV with a massive tsunami flooding the earth......how the hell could a comet carry that much water to Earth, even 10 of them?

[bibblebub]

http://twistedsifter.com/2014/11/hq-photos-by-rosetta-and-philae/

here are 26 HQ Photos by Rosetta and Philae

[Hypognosis]

I am convinced I can see layers in the rocks shown in the cliff close-up.

These could be from impacts. I'd guess that ice at -270C can look and behave like rock.

If it is actual mineral type rock and is sedimentary then that makes it a bit blasted off a planet which already had water and any biomolecules found could be of earth origin. (eg if they are 100% L-amino acids, sugars etc).

A circular argument which could clog internet debates for years to come. :-/

[Old_Geezer]

Just wondering. If the comet is as hard as it is now said to be, might the harpoons, had they actually fired, bounced off ? I don't imagine they could be too powerful in case their firing buffeted/damaged or otherwise forced the lander off somewhere.