First Pictures of Comet Kohoutek from Space

Historic Images of Comet Kohoutek

NASA Astronauts Capture the Comet

In 1973, during the Skylab 4 mission, astronauts Jerry Carr and William Pogue made history by capturing the first images of a comet from space. This extraordinary event showcased the capabilities of human space exploration and the advancements that had been made in space technology.

The Significance of Comet Kohoutek

Comet Kohoutek, officially designated as C/1973 E1, was discovered by Czech astronomer Lubor Kohoutek. The comet gained widespread attention due to its expected brightness and proximity to Earth, sparking interest among astronomers and the public alike. The images taken by Carr and Pogue during their spacewalk offered scientists unique insights into the comet's structure and tail.

The Skylab 4 Mission

Overview of Skylab 4

Launched on November 16, 1973, Skylab 4 was the last manned mission to NASA's first space station, Skylab. The crew, comprising Carr, Pogue, and Edward Gibson, embarked on a mission that lasted over 84 days, focusing on various experiments and observations, including studying the solar activities.

Spacewalk and Scientific Contributions

During the final weeks of their mission, Carr and Pogue conducted a spacewalk that would lead to an unforgettable moment in space exploration. As they floated outside Skylab, they took pictures of Comet Kohoutek, offering a view of the comet unlike any seen before and increasing our understanding of such celestial objects.

Fun Fact

Comet Kohoutek’s Popularity