The Optical Spectroscopic and Infrared Remote Imaging System (OSIRIS) camera on board the Rosetta spacecraft observed Earth during its swing-by in November 2007. A sun-illuminated crescent can be seen around Antarctica in this image that is a color composite combining images obtained at various wavelengths.
Rosetta will orbit comet 67P and accompany it on its journey to the sun. Rosetta has a complex trajectory including three Earth and one Mars gravity assist maneuver before finally reaching the comet. On arrival at 67P, Rosetta will enter orbit around the comet and stay with it as it journeys in towards the sun.
This image was taken with Rosetta’s Wide Angle Camera, about 2 hours before its closest approach to Earth.Image Credit: ESA, MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/RSSD/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA