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Space Mars NASA

Mars Orbiter Spies Comet ISON 41

astroengine writes "Scientists managing the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) have released their first observations of the incoming Comet ISON. The MRO was commanded to turn away its perpetual Mars-ward gaze and point into deep space to capture its own snapshot of the famous comet. ISON is currently making its closest approach to the red planet, passing just 7 million miles from its surface. The first raw images were snapped on Sept. 29 when the object was 8 million miles from the planet and more images (taken on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2) are currently being processed."
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Mars Orbiter Spies Comet ISON

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  • by Sockatume ( 732728 ) on Thursday October 03, 2013 @06:03AM (#45023211)

    So, a sequel to Armageddon then.

  • When did (Score:5, Funny)

    by skovnymfe ( 1671822 ) on Thursday October 03, 2013 @06:20AM (#45023253)
    When did miles become a valid unit of distance in astronomy? Haven't we all agreed on a standard unit of measurement for all things science, such as the meter, by now?
  • Re:Miles? (Score:2, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 03, 2013 @07:41AM (#45023479)
    Being from Nebraska I would figure you were still using furlongs...
  • Re:Miles? (Score:1, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 03, 2013 @07:57AM (#45023533)

    FUCK YOU. Get over your self and your metricssssssss. The metric system is all but a memory for me and my comrades. Soon you bow to the assume power that is the Imperialist System. I can imagine a world free from the interference of the ten base system. US students don't need help going over to hex because they already us 12 base systems. This why we build the fastest computers by miles not kilometers. Because every other country is like oh, johnny can't figure out how many inches to a furlong. Here in this great country Johnny wouldn't get a science degree because he'd flunk out. Also, don't get me started on the shit that is metric bolts. Bolts on size abort using the same thread pitch??? that's just asking for trouble, oh it's caused deaths before and will continue to.

  • Re:Miles? (Score:4, Funny)

    by dbIII ( 701233 ) on Thursday October 03, 2013 @08:04AM (#45023553)
    He only comes from Nebraska. He works in outer space.
  • Re:When did (Score:5, Funny)

    by Sockatume ( 732728 ) on Thursday October 03, 2013 @08:04AM (#45023555)

    It's a lot easier to picture 8 million miles than 13 million kilometres.

  • by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 03, 2013 @08:49AM (#45023745)

    The Mars Orbiter is spying on Comet ISON? WTF? There isn't any privacy even in outer space?

    Someone needs to rein in the NSA now. You didn't fool anybody by slipping that extra "A" in your name. N(A)SA: lame attempt at hiding there.

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