Historical Events tagged with "nucleus"

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

Halley's Comet's Close Approach to Earth

February 9th, 1986 39 years ago

Halley's Comet made its closest approach to Earth, captivating millions worldwide. This periodic comet, visible from Earth approximately every 76 years, was last sighted around 1910. As it neared the inner Solar System, Halley's Comet became a spectacle for astronomers and the general public alike. Thousands gathered to witness this celestial event, which provided significant opportunities for scientific studies. The European Space Agency's Giotto spacecraft conducted a flyby, capturing detailed images of the comet’s nucleus, revealing a dynamic surface and the presence of dust.

Continue Reading