Which comet crashed into jupiter

And by comparing changes in the magnetosphere with changes in the atmosphere following the impact, scientists were able to study the relationship between them. Scientists have calculated that the comet was originally about 0. If a similar-sized object were to hit Earth, it would be devastating. The impact might send dust and debris into the sky, creating a haze that would cool the atmosphere and absorb sunlight, enveloping the entire planet in darkness. If the haze lasted long enough, plant life would die — along with the people and animals that depend on it to survive.

These kinds of collisions were more frequent in the early solar system. In fact, comet impacts were probably the main way that elements other than hydrogen and helium got to Jupiter. Today, impacts of this size probably occur only every few centuries. The comet was named for its discoverers. JPL's lucky peanuts are an unofficial tradition at big mission events. It's suspected that about 5, years ago a comet swept within 23 million miles of the Sun, closer than the innermost planet Mercury.

Models and lab tests suggest the asteroid could be venting sodium vapor as it orbits close to the Sun, explaining its increase in brightness. A one-time visitor to our inner solar system is helping explain more about our own origins.

A wayward young comet-like object orbiting among the giant planets has found a temporary parking place along the way. As Chile and Argentina witnessed the total solar eclipse on Dec. It is a gas giant with a mass greater then all of the other planets combined. Its name comes from the Roman god Jupiter. The event became a media circus as it was the first direct observation of an extraterrestrial collision of Solar System objects.

Since then, astronomers have observed multiple objects impacting Jupiter, and it is expected that such impacts happen all the time though unobserved. Upon reviewing the footage, he ruled out the possibility that the event happened closer to Earth with Jupiter merely being the backdrop.

Still image of the impact. Credit: H. After a thorough examination, Paleske determined that the impact happened at Jovian latitude The impact was independently observed by two teams of French amateur astronomers with the SLA. According to a statement issued by the SLA , the two teams consisted of:. As the largest and most massive planet around the Sun, Jupiter's gravity is so strong that it may actually fling some of these flying space objects outside of the Solar System before they get closer to Earth.

Essentially, Jupiter is the older kid protecting the underdogs from the bullies on the Solar System playground. It just takes its share of hits along the way. Passant Rabie.