Comet P/Halley's nucleus and its activity
Keller, H. U.; Reitsema, H. J.; Delamere, W. A.; Huebner, W. F.; Schmidt, H. U.
Germany, United States
Abstract
The Halley Multicolour Camera on board ESA's Giotto spacecraft observed the nucleus of comet P/Halley and its environment and returned more than 2000 images. The observations are summarized, their calibration is described, the status of the analysis and the results are discussed. Topographic features on the nuclear surface and areas of activity are identified. The optical thickness of the dust produced in jet-like features is estimated. The impact and constraints of the observations on cometary nucleus models are discussed.