Identification of surface features on comet P/Halley

Abstract

The Giotto Halley Multicolour Camera obtained images of P/Halley that resolved the nucleus, showing active regions and other features on the surface. At least twenty-one discrete bright features can be identified in the images, and eight distinct regions associated with morphological characteristics can be recognized. The projected limb is approximated with a two-to-one axial ratio ellipse, establishing a reference coordinate system for the body based on the center of gravity and moments of inertia of the profile. A catalog of surface features is presented giving size, shape and location in the reference coordinate system.