Exploration of Halley's Comet: Symposium Summary
Abstract
The recent missions to comets Giacobini-Zinner and Halley, together with the coordinated ground-based observations, have led to a quantum leap forward in our knowledge of comets. Careful analysis of the accumulated data in conjunction with more sophisticated theoretical modelling will no doubt lead to a much deeper and more secure understanding of these cosmogonically highly significant solar system bodies. This process is already well under way. In this symposium summary, which makes no claims to being comprehensive, some of the most important of these new findings are highlighted. An attempt is also made to briefly summarize our pre-encounter understanding of comets, so that these new discoveries may be seen in perspective. In conclusion, the question of what needs to be done in the immediate future is briefly addressed.
- Publication:
-
ESLAB Symposium on the Exploration of Halley's Comet
- Pub Date:
- December 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986ESASP.250b.441M