The Rosetta probe has woken up ...

[Pixel42]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-30683860

Even if they cannot locate it, scientists are confident the little probe will eventually make its whereabouts known.

As 67P moves closer to the Sun, lighting conditions for the robot should improve, allowing its solar cells to recharge the battery system.

The latest assessment suggests communications could be re-established in the May/June timeframe, with Philae distributing enough electricity to its instruments to resume operations around September.

 

[Olowkow]

Some pictures from Rosetta's comet Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko showing outgassing.
Some more closeup pictures.

 

[Trebuchet]

Wow. Those are gorgeous.

 

[azzthom]

The picture at top right should be BBC2's new ident. Beautiful images.

 

[Sockor]

Pareidolia wet nightmare. Top left one has a human statue holding the head of a decapitated lynx by the ear; under a huge helmet. Bottom left has a dinosaur hatching from a disproportionately small egg. Bottom right looks like a puppy.

 

[CapelDodger]

The picture at top right should be BBC2's new ident.

I second that. Well spotted .

 

[Darwin123]

I think we should call it Olaf.

eta: The comet that is.

I second that! The name fits!

Olaf is an Old Norwegian word for 'elf'. It is also a cognate
for the Anglo Saxon word for elf, 'Elvis'.

The planets are named for gods, Maybe the comets should be named
for elves.

The comet has two distinct parts. How about calling the older section, Olaf,
and the younger section, Elvis!

 

[GlennB]

Rosetta's comet, 67P, has farted!

Gaseous eruption from its "backside".

Guardian article with fart photos.

 

[zooterkin]

Rosetta's comet, 67P, has farted!

Gaseous eruption from its "backside".

Guardian article with fart photos.

It's not the Grauniad, it's that other left-wing media outlet, the Beeb.

 

[GlennB]

It's not the Grauniad, it's that other left-wing media outlet, the Beeb.

Ah yes. Dozy after a long hard day.

Wonder if Philae will wake up too?

 

[Pianoro]

Ah yes. Dozy after a long hard day.

Wonder if Philae will wake up too?

It may have woken up already. But according to ESA, it will be May the earliest when it might get enough illumination to send a transmission.

Considering that it might be awake, Rosetta has sent some commands to the surface that, if received, are thought to increase Philae's chances of harvesting energy.

Certainly sounds like they are doing what they can. Fingers crossed.

 

[GlennB]

Yes. These missions are so resilient so often that they're a credit to the project planning meetings. I wonder how many doughnuts were involved?

 

[GlennB]

It seems Rosetta has started listening for Philae again, in the hope it might recharge its batteries.

linky

 

[Jrrarglblarg]

Thanks for the update.

 

[Pianoro]

ESA thinks that they may have found Philae's current location.

http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/2015/06/11/the-quest-to-find-philae-2/

On the other hand, with Churyumov-Gerasimenko now being fairly close to the sun and still no message from the lander, chances for re-establishing contact don't look the greatest at the moment.

 

[Duffy Moon]

Philae has woken up!

 

[Pixel42]

Fantastic!

More info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33126885

 

[GlennB]

Brilliant!

 

[Monketi Ghost]

Woot!!

 

[azzthom]

Excellent news!!