VIRTIS

Copyright ESA/AOES medialab

VIRTIS (Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer) is an instrument designed to study the composition of the comet nucleus and coma through the use of spectroscopy using visible and infrared wavelengths.

The instrument consists of two modules, to produce highly detailed and highly precise measurements respectively. Initially this will be done on the comet’s nucleus before measuring the coma.

For sources and further information visit:

• http://sci.esa.int/rosetta/35061-instruments/?fbodylongid=1646
• http://www.dlr.de/os/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-3579/5583_read-8084/
• http://lesia.obspm.fr/virtis-rosetta/VIRTIS-the-instrument.html