Finally, the robotic Philae lander laid down on the surface of comet 67P67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The lander completes its long journey of nearly 10 years.
Earlier, numerous spacecraft had spent hours in the examination of comets from a high distance. However, not a single spacecraft positioned any research instrument onto a comet except the Philae lander. The scientists have not laid an eye on this time capsule before the Philae lander. Therefore, it was as if Philae fulfilled the dream of scientists to analyze a comet from such a short distance.
The Rosetta placed the instrument just 10 Km wary from the comet. The lander fascinates the scientists with the images and data of the comet. Every time it sends back a pack fully loaded with amazing photos and information about the comet. It certainly helped scientists in the examination of the rock beneath the foot of Rosetta.
In addition the robotic lander also gets a chance to study the gaseous matter that appears from the surface of the comet.
The entire data accumulated through the Philae lander shed light on the history of the solar system. Comets are generally considered as the most ancient blocks of the solar system. The information accumulated form Rosetta gave an insight about the part played by the comet in the formation of Earth.
Stanley Cowley, a planetary scientist informed that comets played a vital role in delivering Earth with the most basic element of life; water.
Moreover, the study revealed that the comet consists of simple organic molecules. These molecules provided Earth the material for the emergence of Life.
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