Space

Image release allows viewers to tour the Imhotep region of 67P

Image release allows viewers to tour the Imhotep region of 67P
An ESA graphic highlighting points of interest on the Imhotep region
An ESA graphic highlighting points of interest on the Imhotep region
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An ESA graphic highlighting points of interest on the Imhotep region
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An ESA graphic highlighting points of interest on the Imhotep region
An ESA graphic displaying geological features in the Imhotep region
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An ESA graphic displaying geological features in the Imhotep region
A mosaic of the Imhotep region of 67P composed of 6 OSIRIS narrow-angle images
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A mosaic of the Imhotep region of 67P composed of 6 OSIRIS narrow-angle images
Scientists believe that the bright areas in this image may suggest the presence of ice – if this is proven, bright patches such as this may represent the youngest areas on 67P
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Scientists believe that the bright areas in this image may suggest the presence of ice – if this is proven, bright patches such as this may represent the youngest areas on 67P
An image focusing on an accumulation basin in the Imhotep region, where fine material and boulders have gathered over time from nearby erosion
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An image focusing on an accumulation basin in the Imhotep region, where fine material and boulders have gathered over time from nearby erosion
This image taken by Rosetta's OSIRIS narrow-angle camera shows roundish features that are possibly the result of ancient degassing conduits
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This image taken by Rosetta's OSIRIS narrow-angle camera shows roundish features that are possibly the result of ancient degassing conduits
This image taken by Rosetta's OSIRIS narrow-angle camera shows roundish features that are possibly the result of ancient degassing conduits
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This image taken by Rosetta's OSIRIS narrow-angle camera shows roundish features that are possibly the result of ancient degassing conduits
This image of a rocky section of the Imhotep region shot from the OSIRIS narrow-angle camera exhibits extensive erosion, believed to be caused by the release of sub-surface material via sublimation
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This image of a rocky section of the Imhotep region shot from the OSIRIS narrow-angle camera exhibits extensive erosion, believed to be caused by the release of sub-surface material via sublimation
Image of fractured terraces present on the Imhotep region
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Image of fractured terraces present on the Imhotep region
Roughly a third of the Imhotep region is covered in fine debris, granting it a smooth appearance
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Roughly a third of the Imhotep region is covered in fine debris, granting it a smooth appearance
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New ESA images allowthe public to take an in-depth tour of the Imhotep region of67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P). Located close to the comet'sequator, Imhotep is thought to be one of the most geologicallydiverse regions of 67P, with observations of the area contributinggreatly to our understanding of the wandering celestial bodies.

Images of the Imhotepregion were released in the wake of the news that Rosetta's partnerin crime, the Philae lander, had once again fallen silent. Despitethe loss, the orbiter continues to characterize and soak up as muchinformation as possible about the comet as it nears its closestencounter with the Sun, known as perihelion.

Roughly a third ofImhotep is characterized by relatively smooth terrain. It is believedthat these areas were allowed to evolve slowly, with fine grains ofmaterial eroded from nearby cliffs having time to settle andaccumulate.

In contrast, rockierregions dominate the periphery of Imhotep. Here sublimation ofunderground materials has led to the erosion of the landscape,leaving swathes of terrain scattered with debris and boulders.

Mission scientists willbe keen to observe how regions such as Imhotep evolve as the cometapproaches and subsequently distances itself from perihelion, whichwill herald a period of intense activity as frozen materials insidethe comet are released by solar energy.

Source: ESA

View gallery - 10 images
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