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Astronomer Whipple Dead At Age 97

Posted by timothy on from the sad-to-report dept.

cwaldrip writes "Reuters reports 'Fred Whipple, an astronomer who originated the idea that comets were comprised of ice and mineral dust, has died at the age of 97.' Comets being dirty ice is so accepted today, it's hard to think of alternatives other than solid rock. What alternate theories of cometary composition have there been?"

1 of 21 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Well... by MBCook · · Score: 0, Offtopic
    I take that back. Got one more. Comets are a big ball of stuff (mostly water) and a tail.

    Ladies and gentlemen: intergalactic loogies!

    Now we just have to figure out who keeps spitting at us.

    --
    Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.