Why embark on such a quest? The objective of this mission is to gather intricate data about a comet that could shed light on the solar system’s origins, and possibly even the beginnings of water and life on Earth, which may have been delivered by comet impacts. Comets are remnants from the solar system’s formation billions of years ago. The question, “How did the solar system come to be?” is captivating, yet it often feels abstract and distant compared to the everyday inquiries most of us face in our work lives. So, what compels scientists involved in the Rosetta mission to pursue this endeavor? I reached out to several of these scientists to explore their motivations. What drives you to devote decades to studying distant collections of rock, ice, and gas orbiting the sun?
“It’s genuine exploration, and what could be more thrilling than that?” remarks James Carter, a radio astronomer who has been part of the Rosetta team for two decades. When he joined, he was the youngest radio astronomer the project leader knew, who sought to involve younger scientists given the mission’s long timeline. When I asked Carter what kept his enthusiasm alive for so long, he described analyzing the composition, speed, and temperature of the gases in the comet’s coma (the cloud surrounding the comet) and the nucleus beneath it. He added, “Ultimately, what drives scientists is the desire to see and understand something previously unknown. That emotional connection is what fuels our passion every day and often keeps us up late at night.”
Colleagues Sarah Lee and Mark Davis, who collaborate on an ultraviolet spectrometer that helps analyze the comet’s surface and tail, echo this sentiment regarding the thrill of discovery. “The Rosetta project is a groundbreaking venture,” says Lee. “It’s true exploration,” and Davis agrees, adding, “Experiencing firsts is exhilarating because the unknowns are just that—unknown. You can speculate, but you can’t predict.”
The historic landing of Philae on comet P67 marked a significant milestone, but there were several other key moments leading up to it. The mission was initially proposed in the late ’70s, received approval in 1993, and launched a decade later in 2004. Carter recalls another pivotal moment with enthusiasm: “When your instrument survives the launch and you power it on for the first time—what we call ‘first light’—and you see that initial image, there’s an undeniable thrill. Rosetta had multiple ‘first light’ events as it carried various instruments onboard.”
After chasing comet P67 out beyond Jupiter, the spacecraft experienced a power outage due to insufficient sunlight, entering hibernation mode for over two years. For David Thompson, who studies the dust surrounding the comet, the most exhilarating moment wasn’t this week’s landing but rather the moment Rosetta reawoke from hibernation in January. “It’s uncommon for a spacecraft to be silent for so long, so there was uncertainty about whether Rosetta and its instruments would still function,” Thompson explains. “I was at the control center during the landing day, and while it was an exciting time, I was grateful that my tense moment had passed as I witnessed others experience theirs.”
Teamwork plays a crucial role in the project. The data gathered by the Rosetta and Philae teams is diverse; some scientists are focused on dust, while others analyze ice and gases. The synergy of this data will ultimately provide answers to significant questions. Emily Franklin, who studies the comet’s nucleus, anticipates that insights into its interior will reveal “how the first macroscopic bodies formed in the solar nebula 4.5 billion years ago, a vital step in understanding planetary formation.”
Carter is investigating how the comet’s surface and coma interact and evolve as it orbits the sun and experiences temperature changes. “Understanding how the nucleus transforms each time it orbits the sun is essential to extrapolating the solar system’s formation,” he notes. While each scientist works on specific aspects, the collective discoveries become meaningful when integrated. “We focus on particular details,” Carter continues, “but periodically, we step back to ask, ‘Am I making progress toward that original, overarching goal?’”
Many Rosetta scientists describe their passion as a dual experience. “It’s a balance of intellect and emotion,” Thompson states. “On one side, there are the technical challenges to tackle. On the other, there’s the joy of uncovering new knowledge about the universe and our role within it.” Davis adds a philosophical note, stating, “I see science as akin to art. People may not immediately recognize how it benefits their lives—this won’t lead to a better toaster or anything practical—but there’s an intrinsic value in pursuing this knowledge. It feels worthwhile to invest resources, whether public funds or individual focus.”
This article was originally published on November 18, 2014.
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Summary
In summary, the pursuit of knowledge and discovery drives scientists like James Carter and his colleagues in the Rosetta mission, as they explore distant comets to understand the origins of our solar system. Their work combines technical challenges with a passion for uncovering the mysteries of the universe, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the joy of exploration.
Keyphrase: comet exploration
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