The nuclei of Jupiter family comets: A critical review of our present knowledge

Abstract

Of the currently over 300 identified Jupiter family comets (JFCs), we have estimated nucleus sizes and shapes for fewer than 70 and have detailed nucleus observations arising from spacecraft fly-bys for just 3: 19P/Borrelly (Deep Space 1), 81P/Wild 2 (Stardust), and 9P/Tempel 1 (Deep Impact). These observations reveal similarities but also significant diversity. In this review, we make a critical assessment of our knowledge of JFC nuclei and suggest a priority list for observations of the nucleus of the JFC, 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the Rosetta target comet.