Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jan 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004sptz.prop..222l&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #222
Computer Science
Scientific paper
In support of the Rosetta mission, we request Director's Discretionary time to measure the size and shape of its target, the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. A safe landing of the Lander package on its surface remains critically dependent upon its size which is not unambiguoulsy determined from visible photometry because of the uncertainty on its albedo. On the contrary, measurements of the thermal emission of the nucleus will allow a direct determination of its size. Observations with the Spitzer Space Telescope in late February 2004 will provide the best possible data thanks to very favourable observing conditions. We propose to use MIPS to image the nucleus at 24 microns seventeen times, over a time interval of 12.5 hr to as to cover the full light curve of the nucleus and derive both its size and shape. Complementary observations at 70 microns will help constraining its SED and the thermal model to interpret the data. By further combining with past HST observations, the rotational state of the nucleus will be better con strained and the albedo will be determined thus allowing to characterize its surface.
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