We examine the role of refractory organics as a major C carrier in the outer protosolar nebula and its implications for the compositions of large Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) and […]
Rosetta
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Varying Water Activity and Momentum Transfer on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko From its non-gravitational Forces and Torques
We investigate the ability of a simultaneous fitting of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko’s non-gravitational forces, torques and total water-outgassing rate, as observed by Rosetta, to constrain complex thermophysical models of cometary material.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Status Report
The Extent of Formation of Organic Molecules in the Comae of Comets Showing Relatively High Activity
Comets are a rich reservoir of complex organic molecules. Ground and space-based observatories have recently greatly enhanced the cometary molecular inventory.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Missions & Hardware, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
A Cometary Landcape Covered With Organic Chemicals
Editor’s note: according to “Organic compounds on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko revealed by COSAC mass spectrometry” – “Comets harbor the most pristine material in our solar system in the form of ice, […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Status Report
Detection And Characterisation Of Icy Cavities On The Nucleus Of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
We report on the detection of three icy cavities on the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. They were identified on high-resolution anaglyphs built from images acquired by the OSIRIS instrument aboard […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Volatiles In The H2O and CO2 Ices Of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) was the first mission that accompanied a comet over a substantial fraction of its orbit.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Meteorites & Asteroids, Missions & Hardware, Status Report
Complex Organosulfur Molecules On Comet 67P: Evidence From The ROSINA Measurements And Insights From Laboratory Simulations
The ROSINA (Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis) instrument aboard the Rosetta mission revolutionized our understanding of cometary material composition. One of Rosetta’s key findings is the complexity […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Missions & Hardware, Press Release
Comet Nuclei Composition And Evolution
Thanks to Rosetta orbiter’s and Philae lander’s data our knowledge of cometary nuclei composition has experienced a great advancement.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Press Release
Modelling The Water And Carbon Dioxide Production Rates Of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
The European Space Agency Rosetta/Philae mission to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014-2016 is the most complete and diverse investigation of a comet carried out thus far. Yet, many physical and chemical […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Press Release
Looking for Cometary Organics
Before going into hibernation at 01:36 CET on 15 November 2014, the Philae lander was able to conduct some work using power supplied by its primary battery. With its 10 […]