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Close-Up of Nucleus of Comet Hyakutake

Close-Up of Nucleus of Comet Hyakutake
This expanded view of the near-nucleus region is only 470 miles (760 km) across. The nucleus is near the center of the frame, but the brightest area is probably the tip of the strongest dust jet rather than the nucleus itself. Presumably, the nucleus surface lies just below this bright jet. Further analysis may allow scientists to disentangle the nucleus from its atmosphere (coma), presently its difficult to estimate the nucleus' size.
  • Object Name
    Object NameA name or catalog number that astronomers use to identify an astronomical object.
    Comet Hyakutake
  • Release Date
    March 27, 1996
  • Science Release
    Hubble Probes Inner Region of Comet Hyakutake
    Read the release
  • Credit
    Science Release Credit: H. Weaver (ARC), HST Comet Hyakutake Observing Team and NASA

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Last Updated
Mar 28, 2025
Contact
Media

Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov

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