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A decade has passed since the Rosetta mission explored Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (Chury in short) and still data from Rosetta’s ROSINA-DFMS instrument continues to shape cometary and planetary science. This sophisticated instrument provided ground-breaking insights into the composition of Chury’s atmosphere.
Pivotal discoveries and findings
ROSINA discovered a zoo of molecules in Chury’s atmosphere. One of ROSINA’s most surprising findings was the detection of abundant molecular oxygen (O₂) in the comet’s atmosphere (or coma). This challenged existing models of solar system formation, as O₂ is highly reactive and was thought to not be able to survive unchanged in the comet for billions of years.
ROSINA detected a wealth of organic molecules, including glycine—the simplest amino acid—along with phosphorus, a key element in DNA and cell membranes. The presence of these life-related compounds reinforced the idea that comets may have played a crucial role in delivering prebiotic ingredients to early Earth. ROSINA also identified a diverse range of volatile compounds, such as alcohols, aldehydes, and nitriles, linking cometary chemistry to interstellar processes.
ROSINA also provided isotopic measurements that helped reconstruct the conditions of the early solar system. The deuterium-to-hydrogen (D/H) ratio in 67P’s water, for example, revealed a composition distinct from Earth’s oceans. This suggested that comets like 67P were not the primary source of our planet’s water. Other isotopic measurements refined our understanding of planetary formation. By analysing noble gases like xenon, the instrument provided clues about the primordial composition of Earth's atmosphere.
Next to the neutral gases, ROSINA also discovered ions within the comet’s atmosphere. ROSINA detected CO₂²⁺, a molecular dication never before observed in a comet, revealing complex ion-neutral interactions and enhancing our understanding of cometary plasma physics. The instrument also helped track how 67P’s activity evolved during its journey around the Sun.
Valuable scientific resource
ROSINA’s discoveries remain pivotal and continue to influence research on comets, planetary evolution, and the origins of life. The vast dataset collected during Rosetta’s mission remains a valuable scientific resource, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
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