A Deep Impact update

Posted by Emily Lakdawalla

2005/07/28 09:28 CDT

Topics: Deep Impact

We haven't forgotten about Deep Impact, but there's still no word on the crater size. I'm very sorry it's taking so long for us to determine the winners of the Great Comet Crater Contest, but the science team hasn't been able to state the size of the crater with any confidence yet. I asked Deep Impact scientist Peter Schultz for a little information about the nature of the challenge. He said: "The amount of slow-moving fine debris excavated by the impact lasted much longer than was initially expected. This meant that the crater did not clearly emerge in the highest resolution views. So we could not get a clear image of the crater. But the team is looking at different ways to see through all the dust."

As soon as I hear anything, I'll let you know.