Mission scientist reacts to historic first images from the surface of a comet

When a European landing probe goes for a daring touchdown on a comet Wednesday, officials say it would help to have a little luck on their side.

The high resolution camera aboard Rosetta has captured a stunning view of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko showing multiple jets streaming away from the surface.

ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft observed unusual jets of gas and dust spewing from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko every morning as the sun came up. A new study shows those jets formed as a result of the comet’s strange topography.