The Rosetta spacecraft made history again today, after sending its Philae Lander to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, where it successfully touched down.
The comet, which is hundreds of millions of miles from Earth, has a new resident. During its seven-hour journey to get there, though, Philae tweeted its experiences.
Ready when you are, @ESA_Rosetta. Give me a little nudge? #CometLanding
— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
The world held its expectant breath throughout as Philae left Rosetta and journeyed to the comet's surface. As it fell towards Comet 67P, Philae turned its instruments on and kept flying.
.@ESA_Rosetta WOW! I feel like I'm floating! And #67P is closer and closer... #CometLanding — Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Rosetta's OSIRIS camera took photos of Philae as it flew towards its target.
It's me... landing on a comet & feeling good! MT @ESA_Rosetta: I see you too! #CometLanding pic.twitter.com/DjU0J1Ey4H — Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Eventually, the lander met the surface of the comet, dug in with harpoon-like legs and announced its arrival. Because of its distance, the signal from Philae took about a half hour to reach Earth.
Touchdown! Min nya adress: 67P! #CometLanding — Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
[Photo Credit: Getty Images]
