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In reply to the discussion: Rosetta probe Philae discovers organic molecules on comet [View all]muriel_volestrangler
(101,306 posts)23. Another discovery: the comet is so hard, their hammer broke when they used the "desperate mode"
We also know that the MUPUS instrument attempted to hammer into the surface to use its sensors to gauge the comet's temperature. But underneath some "fluffy" material, was some very hard stuff indeed.
MUPUS scientists tried each of the hammer's three power settings - and after failing to penetrate the surface using those, proceeded to a "secret" fourth setting. This setting, nicknamed "desperate mode", broke the hammer.
Nevertheless, the exercise suggests the surface of the comet may have a tensile strength approaching that of sandstone.
That in itself may be a significant scientific discovery, because it's a far cry from the softer consistency some have envisaged for these "dirty snowballs" - thought to be relics from the formation of the Solar System.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-30082878
MUPUS scientists tried each of the hammer's three power settings - and after failing to penetrate the surface using those, proceeded to a "secret" fourth setting. This setting, nicknamed "desperate mode", broke the hammer.
Nevertheless, the exercise suggests the surface of the comet may have a tensile strength approaching that of sandstone.
That in itself may be a significant scientific discovery, because it's a far cry from the softer consistency some have envisaged for these "dirty snowballs" - thought to be relics from the formation of the Solar System.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-30082878
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Origin of Life 1. Life Came From Other Planets. Myth of the Organic Soup & Abiogenesis
imthevicar
Nov 2014
#13
*Simple* carbon compounds are widespread, but have nothing to do with life.
eppur_se_muova
Nov 2014
#18
Another discovery: the comet is so hard, their hammer broke when they used the "desperate mode"
muriel_volestrangler
Nov 2014
#23
I've been on glaciers that were so cold and hard that my titanium ice axe bounced off.
FSogol
Nov 2014
#24
The 'approaching sandstone' strength claim may be a bit misleading
muriel_volestrangler
Nov 2014
#25