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Comets, Charisma, and Celebrity: Reflections on Their Deep Impact

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Deep Impact as a World Observatory Event: Synergies in Space, Time, and Wavelength

Part of the book series: Eso Astrophysics Symposia ((ESO))

Abstract

In celebration of the Deep Impact Mission, this essay explores the influence of comets on the arts and sciences since the beginning of recorded time. Through images, ranging from the sublime to the humorous, it probes the reasons why comets are among the most charismatic visual spectacles in the universe and why, even as scientific missions unmask their mysteries, they remain iconic symbols and harbingers of change.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, U.S.A

    R.J.M. Olson

  2. Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267, U.S.A.

    J.M. Pasachoff

Authors
  1. R.J.M. Olson
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  2. J.M. Pasachoff
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. European Southern Observatory, Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 2, 85748 Garching, Germany

    H.U. Käufl

  2. Vrije Universiteit Brussel Astronomy Group, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

    C. Sterken

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Olson, R., Pasachoff, J. (2009). Comets, Charisma, and Celebrity: Reflections on Their Deep Impact. In: Käufl, H., Sterken, C. (eds) Deep Impact as a World Observatory Event: Synergies in Space, Time, and Wavelength. Eso Astrophysics Symposia. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-76959-0_5

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