The nucleus of a comet undone: Scientists monitor Hergenrother's breakup

http://phys.org/news/2012-11-nucleus-comet-undone-scientists-hergenrother.html

November 5, 2012 - phys.org

"Comet Hergenrother is splitting apart," said Rachel Stevenson, a post-doctoral fellow working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "Using the National Optical Astronomy Observatory's Gemini North Telescope on top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, we have resolved that the nucleus of the comet has separated into at least four distinct pieces resulting in a large increase in dust material in its coma."
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Comet Breaks Apart Before Astronomers' Eyes

http://www.space.com/18364-comet-breakup-inner-solar-system.html

November 6, 2012 - space.com
A comet is falling apart on its trek through the inner solar system, and astronomers have a ringside seat for all the dramatic action.
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"Comet Hergenrother is splitting apart," Rachel Stevenson, a post-doctoral fellow at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., said in a statement. "Using the Gemini North Telescope on top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, we have resolved that the nucleus of the comet has separated into at least four distinct pieces, resulting in a large increase in dust material in its coma."
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Polar Ring Galaxy NGC 660

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap121110.html

November 10, 2012 - Astronomy Picture of the Day

Astronomers set up telescope timeshare

http://www.nature.com/news/astronomers-set-up-telescope-timeshare-1.11725

November 2, 2012 - Nature News
Following a landmark agreement to swap telescope time, Japanese astronomers will gain access to the southern skies, while astronomers with the Gemini consortium will get to use specialized instruments on Japan’s premier telescope.
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