Deep Impact makes closest approach to comet Hartley 2

The NASA probe, Deep Impact, is currently making its closest approach to comet Hartley 2. It will eventually fly within 700km of the comet. During the fly-by the antenna will be not be oriented towards Earth so it will be some time before photos come out. They didn't want to fly any closer due to the risk that the comets debris 'tail' would damage the spacecraft.

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/comet-hartley2-poison-gas-jets-101103.html

The comet Hartley 2 is now visible from Earth as well.

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/102632669.html


11/7/2010 - Edit Pictures came out:


http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010-371