Missing comet lander Philae possibly sighted

The European Space Agency says it may have caught a glimpse of its missing comet lander.

Philae became the first spacecraft to land on a comet, but its exact location has been a mystery since it touched down on the surface of 67P in November.

ESA said Thursday that scientists had analyzed images and other data from the lander and mother ship Rosetta. They identified several possible locations including one bright spot described as "a good candidate for the lander."

Rosetta was unable to fly by the site for a closer look since December because the comet is releasing gas and dust as it nears the sun in the next months.

Chances of finding Philae will be boosted if the lander gathers enough solar energy to wake up and send a signal.