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| The ISTP Spacecraft |
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The International Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) project
consists of a powerful complement of spacecraft, ground-based observatories
and theoretical investigations aimed at studying the Sun-Earth system in a
global context. Several of the ISTP missions however are able to divert their
powerfull "eyes" toward Hale-Bopp, and to provide some unique comet observations. The POLAR spacecraft is uniquely able to image the comet near perihelion at a time when other imaging systems can't view the comet becuase it is too close to the sun. In addition, POLAR can image the comet in multiple wavelengths, including ultraviolet observations that are not possible from the ground because of absorption in the atmosphere.
UPDATE!!! (April 25, 1997):
In addition to the imaging opportunities, the ISTP WIND and SOHO spacecraft offer another interesting and unique opportunity related to Hale-Bopp. Specifically, the ISTP probes are uniquely position to shed some light on the interaction and effect of the solar wind on the comet. NASA and ESA scientists are on watch status for possible disconnection of the ion tail.
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| More Information |
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For more information about Comet Hale-Bopp, check out the Planetary Science
Hale-Bopp page which contains information about the comet as well as
images and many links to other related sites.
To learn more about the ISTP Project, check out these pages: |
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