Trending Now - Hubble Observes Historic Spin Reversal in Small Comet

WHO:

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope

WHAT:

The comet identified is 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák, which exhibited a rotation that slowed, reversed, and then sped up.

Jet-like outbursts of gas from the comet may be providing the push for the observed spin reversal.

Evidence was found that the spinning of a small comet slowed and then reversed its direction of rotation.

This is the first time researchers have observed evidence of a comet reversing its spin.

WHERE:

The observations were made using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, which operates in space.

WHEN:

The findings were reported in 2026.

WHY:

The reversal of the comet's spin is attributed to volatile activity affecting the spin and physical evolution of small bodies in the solar system.

HOW:

The observations were made using the Hubble Space Telescope, a NASA-operated space observatory.

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 23:10 UTC)

Astronomers have identified the comet 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák, which has shown a fascinating rotation that slowed down, reversed, and then sped up. This unusual behavior may be linked to jet-like outbursts of gas from the comet, potentially providing the necessary push for the spin reversal. The observations were made at 23:09 UTC, shedding light on the dynamic nature of this celestial object.

--

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 21:11 UTC)

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding evidence that the spinning of a small comet slowed and then reversed its direction of rotation. This marks the first time researchers have observed a comet reversing its spin, with the findings reported in 2026. The reversal is attributed to volatile activity impacting the spin and physical evolution of small bodies in the solar system.