organization:max planck institute for solar system research

OSIRIS detects hints of ice in #comet’s neck
▻http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/2015/03/13/osiris-detects-hints-of-ice-in-comets-neck

This post is based on information provided by the OSIRIS team at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Germany. If it could be seen with the naked human eye, the nucleus of #Comet_67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko would be a dark grey all over. With its array of specialised filters, however, #Rosetta’s scientific imaging system OSIRIS can discern tiny differences in reflectivity at different wavelengths across the comet’s surface. In turn, these differences can reveal clues as to the local composition of the comet. The image shown here focuses on the Hapi region of the comet. Hapi is located in the neck between the comet’s two lobes and has in the past months proven to be particularly active, the source of many of the spectacular jets of dust and gas seen in the wider-view (...)

#Images #Instruments #Science #rosetta #science

Seasonal forecasts for 67P/C-G
▻http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/2015/02/09/seasonal-forecasts-for-67pc-g

Based on the press release of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Germany. Scientists from #Rosetta’s OSIRIS team have been analysing the images of #Comet_67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and comparing them to a thermal model to estimate how much material the various parts of the #comet will lose through Sun-driven sublimation during one orbit. That is, as the Sun heats the comet, ices sublimate and the resulting gases drag dust into the comet’s coma. The results predict that the southern half of the comet will undergo dramatic changes in the coming months, losing a surface layer several metres thick, while the northern half will likely be much less affected by the Sun-driven erosion. Followers of this blog might be familiar with the geography of Comet 67P/C-G, but it’s worth (...)

#Science #rosetta #science