Have you ever wondered what motivates someone to dedicate their career to the pursuit of a comet? The mission’s primary aim is to gather intricate data about comets, which may shed light on the origins of our solar system—and potentially even the advent of water and life on Earth, possibly delivered through comet impacts. Comets serve as remnants from the solar system’s formation billions of years ago, leading to the intriguing question: “How did the solar system originate?” This is indeed a captivating inquiry, yet it can feel quite abstract compared to the everyday questions many of us face in our lives. So, what compels the scientists involved in the Rosetta mission to engage in such an ambitious quest? I reached out to a few of these dedicated individuals to find out what draws them to the study of these distant icy travelers.
“It’s genuine exploration, and what could be more thrilling than that?” says Max Thompson, a radio astronomer who has been part of the Rosetta team for two decades. When he first joined, he was the youngest member; the project leader wanted to include younger scientists, considering the long duration of the mission. When I asked Thompson what has sustained his interest over the years, he shared his enthusiasm for analyzing the composition and temperature of the gases in the comet’s coma—the surrounding cloud of gas. He remarked, “At the heart of it, all scientists want to see something no one else has witnessed, to solve a mystery. That emotional drive is what fuels us every day and keeps us up late at night.”
Colleagues Laura Green and Ethan Miller, who collaborate on an ultraviolet spectrometer that assesses the comet’s surface and tail composition, echoed Thompson’s sentiments. For them, it’s the thrill of discovery that keeps them dedicated. “This is real exploration,” says Green, “and nothing is more exhilarating.” Miller adds, “Experiencing firsts is exciting for a reason: the unknown is full of possibilities. You can make guesses, but the reality is often surprising.”
The historic landing of Philae on Comet 67P was a monumental achievement, putting the Rosetta mission on many people’s radar. However, this was just one of many significant milestones. The project was conceived in the late ’70s, approved in 1993, and launched in 2004. Thompson vividly recalls another thrilling moment: “When your instrument survives the launch and you power it on for the first time, capturing the initial image—what we call ‘first light’—is exhilarating!” Rosetta, equipped with various instruments, experienced several “first light” moments.
As the spacecraft pursued Comet 67P beyond Jupiter, it ventured so far from the sun that its solar panels couldn’t generate enough power, forcing it into a hibernation mode for over two years. For Ben Larson, who researches the comet’s dust environment, the most thrilling moment wasn’t the recent landing but rather when Rosetta woke up from its slumber in January. Extended periods of silence are unusual for spacecraft, leaving everyone uncertain about whether Rosetta and its instruments would still be functional.
“I have colleagues working on the lander, and for them, this was the pivotal week,” Larson explains (his instrument is on the orbiter, not the lander). “I was in the control room on landing day, and the atmosphere was mixed. It was exciting to be part of such a tense moment, but I was also relieved that my stressful part was already over.”
Collaboration is vital to the success of the Rosetta mission. The data collected by the Rosetta and Philae teams isn’t uniform; some scientists focus on dust, others on ice or gases. Together, this diverse information is what will ultimately begin to answer the larger questions. Paul Adams studies the comet’s nucleus and is eager to learn about its interior, which could reveal how the first macroscopic bodies formed in the solar nebula over 4.5 billion years ago—an essential step toward understanding planetary formation.
Meanwhile, Thompson is investigating the relationship between the comet’s surface and its coma, examining how both elements evolve as the comet traverses the solar system and undergoes temperature changes. “To comprehend how the nucleus evolves with each orbit around the sun is crucial for extrapolating how the solar system formed,” he explains. Each scientist works on specific aspects, but their individual findings become significant when combined. “We concentrate on detailed elements,” Thompson adds, “and then occasionally step back to ask ourselves, ‘Am I making progress toward the overarching goal?’”
Many Rosetta scientists describe their passion as a blend of two elements. “It’s head and heart,” Larson articulates. “On one side, you have the technical details—the mechanics of it all. On the other side is the joy of discovery, finding out something new about the universe and our place within it.” Miller offers a philosophical perspective: “I often liken science to art. People might not see how it directly impacts their lives—this won’t lead to a better toaster, for instance—but there’s a certain importance to it. It’s worth investing valuable resources, whether tax money or time. It just feels vital.”
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In summary, the dedication of scientists to the Rosetta mission is driven by a combination of curiosity, emotional connection, and a desire for discovery. Their collaborative efforts contribute to our understanding of the cosmos, making their work both a personal and scientific journey.