Hope still for 'dead' Comet Ison

The giant ball of ice and dust was initially declared dead when it failed to re-emerge from behind the star with the expected brightness.

There were early doubts when nothing was seen in pictures where ‪#‎Comet‬ Ison should have been (the cross in this picture).

But recent pictures have indicated a brightening of what may be a small fragment of the comet.

Astronomers admit to being surprised and delighted, but now caution that anything could happen in the coming hours and days.

( Photo courtesy of Nasa)