Date: | 11.3.1997 | Time: | 16:42 UT | Exposure: | 10m, 30m |
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Field of View: | 6.2' x 4.7' | Receiver: | 5122 + (576x387) CCD | Filter: | RX, IF 390 |
Instrument: | D=2m, f=5.6m | Observatory: | Pik Terskol, Caucasus | Observer: | T. Credner, K. Jockers, T. Bonev |
Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie
This comet was selected as target for ESA's Rosetta mission. The spacecraft was launched in March 2004, however, after postponement of the initial launch the final destiny did change to Comet 67 P/Churyumov- Gerasimenko. It will be the very first landing on a cometary nuclei to make in situ measurements of the surface. To characterize the comet and set constraints on the spacecraft and experiment design, observations were carried out at Pik Terskol Observatory.
See also the three color version of the image with extreme color separation and further scientific description.