A Comet Approaches Mars
When
Where
Dr. Roger Yelle
Professor, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
A Comet Approaches Mars
Abstract:
Comet Siding Spring will pass by Mars on Oct 19, 2014 at a distance of about 84,000 miles. The comet will zoom by Mars at the incredible speed of 126,000 mph and the atmosphere of Mars will be bombarded by gas molecules and dust in the comet's coma, depositing significant amounts of energy and mass into the Martian atmosphere. NASA and ESA (the European Space Agency) are currently operating spacecraft in orbit around Mars. In particular, the MAVEN spacecraft, launch last November, will arrive at Mars on September 21, 2014. These assets are well positioned to study comet Siding Spring and its effect on Mars. I will review what observations will be made and what we might learn about comets and Mars.
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