Rosetta: Small particles, big Science
Date: Tue, Sep 27, 2016 | 09:00 - 09:15 GMT | 11:00 - 11:15 CEST
Replay: Tue, Sep 27, 2016 | 15:00 - 15:15 GMT | 17:00 - 17:15 CEST
Type: ESA TV Exchange
Format: 16:9
On September 30, the Rosetta Mission will come to an end with a controlled descent to the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko for a "soft landing" that should provide a last crop of unique data.
After two years living with the comet this mission has already returned an unprecedented wealth of scientific information.
Small particles from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, obtained by multiple instruments on the Rosetta mission, are furthering our understanding of some big science.
The formation and evolution of our Solar System played a vital role in how Earth, and the human race, came into existence. Since comets are remnants from our early Solar System, even a grain of microscopic dust can offer insight.
Recently the orbiter’s COSIMA instrument discovered organic material in the form of carbon, far more complex than expected, inside several particles collected from the comet’s coma, or atmosphere. Its best match is a meteorite in the Orgueil collection, in France, which came from a now extinct comet.
The COSIMA, GIADA and MIDAS instruments have all been collecting particles but MIDAS is concentrating on those smaller than 50 micrometres. One of these particles is special as it has an unusual repeating, fractal-like structure, seen for the first time in a comet and thought to be a survivor of the violent compaction process during the comet’s formation.
Rosetta’s results are therefore having an impact on how scientists view the evolution of our Solar System, including our home planet.
The A and B roll films includes interviews with Matt TAYLOR, Rosetta project manager, ESA (English); Thurid MANNEL, MIDAS instrument, ESA (English and German); and Sihane MEROUANE, Co-investigator COSIMA instrument, ESA (English and French).
More information at: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Rosetta
Preview and download:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2016/09/Rosetta_Small_particles_big_science
Script:
EbSI-126350.doc
Satellite Parameters: Eutelsat 9A at 9 degrees E, transponder 59, downlink frequency 11900.1 horizontally polarised, symbol rate 27,500 FEC 2/3.