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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Charles Colville writes about ISON
Read producer/director Charles Colville's article about comet ISON at BBC 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 BBC 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 |
