Rosetta 67P Closeup: Spacecraft Takes Pictures of Comet's Surface

The Rosetta spacecraft took closeup images of the comet 67P from within four miles on Saturday, revealing details of the comet’s terrain.

The photos reveal huge boulders hundreds of feet in diameter on the comet’s surface.

Rosetta has been tailing the comet since August, and the sun was directly behind the spacecraft during its recent flyby.

Scientists with the European Space Agency are collecting data about the comet. Its surface includes both layers of dust and a more solid and scarred interior, UPI reported.

Rosetta’s instruments also examined the comet’s atmosphere.

Researchers have observed the comet shedding dust particles and pouring water vapor into space, CNET reported.

Researchers also are waiting to see if Rosetta’s lander Philae will wake up as the comet gets closer to the sun. Philae landed on the comet in November.

The ESA Tweeted about Saturday’s flyby and released a YouTube video describing the event.

In case you missed it: NAVCAM gallery from my close encounter with #67P on Sat http://t.co/UcxiWnYh65 pic.twitter.com/73WjdsLp73

— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) February 17, 2015

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The video had more than 8,300 views as of Tuesday afternoon, with viewers posting enthusiastic comments.

“Ring side seat to a discharging comet, this is what we can do now! Amazing. Kudos to ESA for keeping us up to date so extensively. How can you NOT be emotionally involved with these Scientists plight?” Poster Ian Bowes wrote.

“Bravo looking good #roosettamission thanks @esa,” Michael John Battista wrote.

The photos also received attention on Twitter.

If you look closely you can see layers. This new @ESA_Rosetta comet image was taken 3 days ago. Thought-provoking. pic.twitter.com/uMNqCPS4uu

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) February 17, 2015

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