PIA02108: It Happens in a Flash
Target Name: Comet
Product Size: 720 samples x 573 lines
Produced By: Ames Research Center
Full-Res TIFF: PIA02108.tif (1.239 MB)
Full-Res JPEG: PIA02108.jpg (46.81 kB)

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Original Caption Released with Image:

This image shows a flash produced in a laboratory by a high-velocity bead slamming into dust. Though the flash itself can't be resolved, its brilliant effects can be seen in this three-second time exposure. Scientists say that the collision between Deep Impact's impactor and comet Tempel 1 may produce a similar flash.

This flash occurred when a quarter-inch sphere smashed into powdered dust at a speed of 6.4 kilometers per second (4 miles per second). Even though the actual flash lasted less than 50 millionths of a second, the camera recorded the hot debris in the impact crater (center) and the streaking ejecta. This experiment was performed at NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.

Image Credit:
NASA/Ames

Image Addition Date:
2005-07-01