Rosetta’s on board cameras capture even more details of comet 67P

(Some of the latest images of comet 67P – Photo Credit: ESA)

9 days and just over 2000 kilometres separate the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft and comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and now the comet’s largest features are beginning to stand out in the space craft’s OSIRIS narrow angle camera. The latest images have even enabled the space agency to formulate a 3D 360 degree model of the icy body.

Rosetta navigation camera (NAVCAM) took these pictures on the 25th and 27th July.

Crop from the 25 July processed image of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, to focus on the comet nucleus. Credits: ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM

Crop from the 27 July processed image of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, to focus on the comet nucleus. Credits: ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM

These images, along with others captured between 14-24 July, enabled the OSIRIS team to create a detailed 360 degree model of the comet.

The simulation is a formal product that will be utilised by the craft’s Orbiter and Lander Teams to aid with their preparations for orbiting around and, eventually, landing the craft’s Philae vehicle on the comet’s surface in November.

Comet 67P/C-G shape model based on OSIRIS images 14-24 July. Credits: ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA

ESA will now begin the selection process for Philae’s landing site. They aim to identify a safe and scientifically interesting site for the lander and although a meaningful selection can only be made once the spacecraft is close enough to be able to characterise the comet surface and its environment, preparations are advancing as the comet’s approximate shape and rotation properties are now known.

Next week, on 6 August, Rosetta will arrive at the comet at a distance of about 100 km. Towards the end of the month, the craft will decrease the distance, moving about 50 km away from 67P. At this same time, five candidate landing sites will be selected for further detailed investigation.

Then, as Rosetta moves to a distance just 30 km from the comet’s surface, more details of its surface will be revealed, allowing higher resolution imaging of the candidate sites.

Once primary landing site is identified in mid-September, a final decision will be made to go ahead and prepare for Philae’s historic landing, which is currently planned for 11 November.

To keep updated with Rosetta’s latest information and images, click here.

As a bonus, if you have a pair of 3D glasses nearby, then enjoy this special 3D model of comet 67P.

Use red-green/blue '3D' glasses to enjoy this version of the latest shape model. Credits: ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA

[All images and gifs credit to ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA]

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