67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

Discovery

Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, also known as 67P/C-G, holds significance in the realm of astronomy and space exploration due to its comprehensive study via the European Space Agency's (ESA) Rosetta mission. Discovered on September 20, 1969, by Klim Churyumov and Svetlana Gerasimenko, this comet was named in recognition of their observational efforts at the Alma-Ata Astrophysical Institute in Kazakhstan.

Orbit

With an orbital period of about 6.45 years, Comet 67P/C-G traverses an elliptical path around the Sun. Its journey extends from beyond Jupiter's orbit at its farthest point to a location near Earth's orbit at its closest approach to the Sun, known as perihelion.

Physical Characteristics

The comet's nucleus, irregularly shaped and relatively small, spans approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) at its longest dimension, composed of ice, dust, rocky materials, and organic compounds. As it nears the Sun, solar radiation causes the release of gas and dust, forming the characteristic coma and tails.

Satellite

The Rosetta mission, launched by the European Space Agency in 2004, was primarily dedicated to studying Comet 67P/C-G. After a decade-long journey through space, Rosetta reached the comet in 2014. Upon arrival, the spacecraft conducted in-depth observations, measurements, and analyses of the comet's nucleus, surface, and surrounding environment. A pivotal moment of the mission was the deployment of the Philae lander, the first-ever successful landing on a comet's surface.

Analysis

The wealth of data gathered by Rosetta provided groundbreaking insights into the composition, topography, and behavior of the comet. Scientific analysis revealed valuable information about the organic compounds and water-ice content present on the comet, shedding light on the early solar system's characteristics and evolution.