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Credit & Copyright: NASA, Hubble Space Telescope (courtesy of H.
Weaver)
Explanation:
Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9,
named after its co-discoverers, was often referred
to as the "string of pearls" comet. It is famous for its unusual appearance
as well as its collision with the planet Jupiter!
The comet's original single nucleus
was torn to pieces by Jupiter's strong gravity during a close encounter
with the solar system's largest planet in 1992. The pieces are seen in
this composite of Hubble Space Telescope images to
be "pearls" strung out along
the comet's orbital path. In July of 1994 these
pieces collided with Jupiter in a unique and spectacular series of
events.
For more information about the picture see the Split Comet Studies Page.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day