Historical Events tagged with "comets"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Space Exploration

Vega 1 Returns First Images of Halley's Comet

March 4th, 1986 39 years ago

Soviet spacecraft Vega 1 transmitted fascinating images of Halley's Comet along with the first detailed views of its nucleus. Launched in 1984, Vega 1 traveled more than six years through space before reaching the comet during its closest approach. The images revealed the comet's surface features and provided invaluable data about its composition and structure. This groundbreaking mission enhanced our understanding of cometary bodies and their behavior during perihelion. Scientists worldwide eagerly analyzed the data as it was received, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Japan Launches Sakigake, Its First Deep Space Probe

January 7th, 1985 40 years ago

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the Sakigake spacecraft, marking Japan's first foray into interplanetary exploration. This groundbreaking mission commenced from the Tanegashima Space Center, using the powerful H-II rocket. Designed to study comets, Sakigake was significant not only as Japan's inaugural deep space probe but also as the first such spacecraft launched by a country other than the United States or the Soviet Union. As it journeyed towards Halley's Comet, the probe aimed to conduct detailed scientific observations, paving the way for advancements in astrobiology and space sciences.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Jean-Louis Pons Discovers First Comet

July 11th, 1801 223 years ago

Jean-Louis Pons, a French astronomer, discovers his first comet while observing the night sky. Over the next 27 years, he makes an astounding total of 36 comet discoveries, more than any other individual in astronomical history, showcasing his extraordinary observational skills and dedication to the field of astronomy.

Continue Reading