Comet of the Century: A Horizon Special
Once hoped to be the most spectacular comet in a generation, Horizon examines the insights Comet ISON might bring to some of science's greatest mysteries.
It was hoped that Comet ISON could be the brightest and most spectacular comet for a generation. After travelling towards the sun for ten thousand years, it appeared to have been disintegrated by the heat and tidal forces of the sun in early December 2013.
But ISON's tail of vapourised gas and water, hundreds of millions of kilometres long, may give insights into some of the greatest mysteries of science. It could help explain the origins of the solar system, whether earth's water was delivered on comets and even whether we are alone in the universe.
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Read producer/director Charles Colville's article about comet ISON at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ News.
Clips
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Comet ISON approaches the Sun
Duration: 01:57
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Origins of the Solar System
Duration: 04:06
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ISON - the comet of the century?
Duration: 00:57
More about comets
Watch and listen to clips from past Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔΒ programmes about these icy visitors from the outer reaches of the Solar System.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Producer | Charles Colville |
| Director | Charles Colville |
| Executive Producer | Jonathan Renouf |
| Series Editor | Aidan Laverty |
Broadcasts
Sat 23 Nov 2013 21:15- Mon 25 Nov 2013 23:20Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two except Northern Ireland & Scotland
- Tue 26 Nov 2013 00:05Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two Scotland
- Thu 5 Dec 2013 00:10Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two Northern Ireland
- Wed 11 Dec 2013 09:00
- Sat 21 Dec 2013 19:00
- Sun 22 Dec 2013 02:55