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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Philae Becomes First Spacecraft Ever To Land On A Comet

While moviegoers are watching Matthew McConaughey fly into the bowels of a giant fictional wormhole, scientists in reality are making a huge leap in the quest to understand our final frontier.

This morning, the European Space Agency (ESA) landed what is now the first spacecraft ever to touch down on a comet.

In August, the unmanned craft Rosetta became the first to be put into orbit around a comet.

Now, 10 years after launching, Rosetta sent its smaller 220-pound probe Philae on a course for the surface of the comet 67P/C-G.

Veteran space reporter Kelly Beatty spoke with Here & Now’s Robin Young and Sacha Pfeiffer from ESA’s headquarters in Germany about the landing.

Guest


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Robin and Jeremy

Robin Young and Jeremy Hobson host Here & Now, a live two-hour production of NPR and WBUR Boston.

November 12 Comment

Giving The Homeless A Camera To Tell Their Stories

A new project is handing out GoPro's to homeless people, hoping to give the public a closer look at who these people really are.

November 12 Comment

Uncovering The Past Alongside Archaeologists

The lives of archaeologists may not be as glamorous as the movies, but digging up ancient artifacts can be thrilling.

November 11 7 Comments

Amanda Palmer On ‘The Art Of Asking’

The performer is both celebrated and attacked for it. She writes in her new memoir, "I am totally not afraid to ask. For anything."

November 11 14 Comments

Vatican Astronomer Wins Top Science Prize

Michigan-raised Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno will become the first clergyman awarded the prestigious Carl Sagan Medal.