3. Periodic comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko has a nucleus measuring about 5 by 3 kilometers across that rotates once every 12.7 hours. It belongs to the Jupiter family of comets (comets with periods less than 20 years). The comet was discovered in 1969. Although it then had an orbital period of 6.55 years, an analysis of its orbit reveals the period had been longer in the recent past. During the early years of the 20th century, the orbital period had been about 9.3 years. A close approach to Jupiter in February 1959 (0.22 AU) reduced the period to 6.5 years. The comet has been seen at every return since its discovery.
4. Europe's Rosetta probe made its historic arrival at Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (Aug. 6), making Rosetta the first human-built craft ever to rendezvous with a comet with the intention to enter orbit.
6. The European Space Agency's Philae lander touched down on the face of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko on Nov. 12, and tonight the documentary "To Catch a Comet" will give viewers an inside look into how the mission became reality.
7. "'To Catch a Comet' follows the international team of scientists and engineers who guide Rosetta through the last year of its ten-year trajectory across the universe: around the Earth, around Mars, and twice through the asteroid belt to reach its destination," PBS representatives said in a statement.
8. The Philae lander has detected organic molecules on the surface of its comet, scientists have confirmed. Carbon-containing "organics" are the basis of life on Earth and may give clues to chemical ingredients delivered to our planet early in its history.
