Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • CES
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • more
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • CES
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Photos: Join the search for stardust

7 of 9 NEXT PREV
  • Wild2

    Wild2

    The Stardust@Home site has officially opened its doors to let PC users participate in a project to identify minute comet particles trapped by NASA's Stardust space probe. As of Monday, 115,000 people had pre-registered to take part in the program.

    The Stardust spacecraft launched in 1999 and reached Comet Wild2 in 2004. Twice, aerogel collectors were opened to capture particles from the comet. It safely returned to Earth on Jan. 15, 2006, and scientists have been studying the particles since.

    Stardust@Home volunteers will be asked to examine one of 1.6 million "focus movies" from sections of the aerogel collectors to see if they can spot a particle that could be a micron in size. And to make it an even tougher task, volunteers will need to pass a test in the use of a virtual microscope that works with their Web browser before they earn the privilege to study samples.

    Pictured here is a composite of Comet Wild2 produced from Stardust photographs.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Comet particle

    Comet particle

    This is a 2-micrometer piece of comet sample that scientists were able to extract from the aeorgel in the Stardust space probe. NASA described the sample this way: "The particle is made up of the silicate mineral forsterite, also known as peridot in its gem form. It is surrounded by a thin rim of melted aerogel, the substance used to collect the comet dust samples."

    It is estimated that about 40 tiny pieces from the comet's tail were captured and returned to Earth. The problem is finding them.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • aerogel

    aerogel

    This is what the aerogel collector looked like before it was sent on its mission.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • side view

    side view

    A side view of the particles trapped by aerogel.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • tracks

    tracks

    This photo shows the tracks of comet particles after they were captured in the aerogel. The actual pieces are at the bottom.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • tracking

    tracking

    Volunteers can locate tracks from the comet particles by zooming in through their virtual microscope. The upper picture here is what the surface looks like, and the track of a particle (lower picture) can be detected by moving a mouse over the bars on the right.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • ding

    ding

    The task is complicated by the many cracks and flaws in the aerogel over its 6-year mission. This "ding" is a false alarm.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • track

    track

    This image shows the track of a comet particle before and after it was magnified. Volunteers who think they find a piece of comet dust are to notify Stardust@Home. Scientists will examine the findings and, if it's appropriate, will extract the particle from the actual aerogel returned by Stardust spacecraft.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • community page

    community page

    The Stardust@Home site features a Community page where volunteers can discuss the program and their results. The Top-100 volunteers will even get special recognition.

    Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

7 of 9 NEXT PREV
Bill Detwiler

By Bill Detwiler | August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT) | Topic: Innovation

  • Wild2
  • Comet particle
  • aerogel
  • side view
  • tracks
  • tracking
  • ding
  • track
  • community page

At Stardust@Home, volunteers are asked to help locate comet samples brought back by NASA's Stardust probe.

Read More Read Less

ding

The task is complicated by the many cracks and flaws in the aerogel over its 6-year mission. This "ding" is a false alarm.

Published: August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

7 of 9 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

CXO Digital Transformation Tech Industry Smart Cities Cloud
Bill Detwiler

By Bill Detwiler | August 17, 2006 -- 14:51 GMT (07:51 PDT) | Topic: Innovation

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Remote working, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

    From the growth in remote working to the rise of automation and onto the demand for wearable devices, here's the research that matters from the past month in tech news. ...

  • Pitfalls to Avoid when Interpreting Machine Learning Models

    Modern requirements for machine learning models include both high predictive performance and model interpretability. A team of experts in explainable AI highlights pitfalls ...

  • Toshiba laptops through the ages

    Toshiba’s 35-year run in the laptop business is at an end, but what a journey it has been.

  • Innovative projects now online to combat coronavirus outbreak

    The spread of COVID-19 has a small silver lining: highlighting how innovative humankind can be under pressure. Here are our favorite examples.

  • Top programming languages, 5G worries, cloud computing, and more: Research round-up

    All the facts and figures that matter to you and your business from the past month in technology news.

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 first look: All the models and colors up close

    Here is Samsung's latest flagship range, in all its glory.

  • Google Maps turns 15: A look back on where it all began

    A timeline of Google Maps through the years since it was launched in 2005.

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums