Here is the first panoramic ‘postcard’ from the surface of a comet, returned by Rosetta’s lander Philae, which is currently on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko:

ESA_Rosetta_Philae_CIVA_FirstPanoramic

First comet panoramic from the CIVA-P imaging system on Philae. Credits: ESA/Rosetta/Philae/CIVA

This unprocessed view, captured by the CIVA-P imaging system on the lander, shows a 360º view around the point of final touchdown. The three feet of Philae’s landing gear can be seen in some of the frames.

Below is the same image, with superimposed a sketch of the Philae lander in the configuration the lander team currently believe it is in.

ESA_Rosetta_Philae_CIVA_FirstPanoramic_woLander

First comet panoramic from the CIVA-P imaging system on Philae, with an indication of the lander orientation superimposed on top of it. Credits: ESA/Rosetta/Philae/CIVA

Confirmation of Philae’s touchdown on the surface of Comet 67P/C–G arrived on Earth at 16:03 GMT/17:03 CET on 12 November.