Comet's SnowstormA high-resolution (but out-of-focus) picture shows the flurry of particles around the nucleus of comet 103P/Hartley 2. NASA's Epoxi mission flew close to the nucleus earlier this month, snapping more than 32,000 images.

A new analysis of the pictures reveals that the comet is surrounded by a "snowstorm" of relatively large particles—some up to the size of basketballs, scientists say.

Find out how scientists got a look at the snowstorm around comet Hartley 2 >>

Image courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech/UMD

New Comet Pictures: How Hartley 2 Creates "Snowstorm"

A detailed dive into NASA's pictures of comet Hartley 2 shows how the odd body's reservoir of dry ice drives a flurry of particles.

Published November 19, 2010

New Comet Pictures: How Hartley 2 Creates "Snowstorm"

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