Cock-a-doodle doo!

After a seven-month nap, the comet lander Philae is finally awake. The spacecraft landed on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in November. The lander sent data about the comet back to Earth. But it didn’t work for long. Soon its battery died. It only took 60 hours.

On June 13, the comet drew close to the sun. Philae’s solar panels took in light. Its battery recharged. At last, Philae sent messages back to Earth!

Philae is only about as big as a washing machine. But scientists hope it will teach them all about the comet it landed on. But for that to happen, communication will have to grow steadier. Seven-month naps don’t help with that!

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. — Psalm 19:1