microwavetowers

Can you talk a little about what scientists are hoping to learn from ISON, and whether our opportunities to learn certain things depend on the comet's fate? For example, does science benefit more from a pre- (or post-) perihelion break up, or from ISON surviving its trip around the sun intact? Does it matter at all?

Obviously most (or all) of us are hoping that we get a nice show in December for aesthetic reasons, but I'm also interested in the science perspective. And thanks for doing the AMA!

Thanks to both of you for your replies - and for all of your awesome work keeping everyone informed!