Time-Lapse Shot by the Rosetta Spacecraft as It Approached Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko

We’ve never wondered what it’s like to approach a comet… just never crossed our minds. The ESA, on the other hand, spent many years wondering as the Rosetta spacecraft made its way towards the Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko; and at the beginning of this month, they got to see it happen first-hand.

Above is a short time-lapse put together from 101 frames that Rosetta shot with its Navigation Camera while approaching the comet between August 1st and 6th. The first image was taken from 832 km (~517 miles) away, the last from about 110 km (~68 miles).

To see and download the full resolution GIF, head over to the ESA website by clicking here.

(via APOD)