Philae’s primary landing site will target Site J, the centre of which is indicated by the cross in this OSIRIS narrow-angle image.
Site J is located on the head of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko and is close to the candidate site B, the large depression to the right of the image.
Site J offers the minimum risk to the lander in comparison to the other candidate sites, and is also scientifically interesting, with signs of activity nearby. At Site J, the majority of slopes are less than 30º relative to the local vertical, reducing the chances of Philae toppling over during touchdown. Site J also appears to have relatively few boulders and receives sufficient daily illumination to recharge Philae and continue science operations on the surface beyond the initial battery-powered phase.
Full story: ‘J’ marks the spot for Rosetta’s lander
Credits: ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA