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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Длинный хвост кометы SWAN http://variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1653407/eng |
Credit & Copyright: D. Peach,
Chilescope team
Explanation:
Blowing in the solar wind the spectacular ion tail of
Comet SWAN (C/2020 F8)
extends far across this 10 degree wide telephoto field of view.
Captured on May 2 its greenish
coma was about 6 light-minutes
from Earth.
The pretty background starfield lies near the border of the
constellations Cetus and Aquarius.
This comet SWAN was discovered at home by
Australian
amateur Michael Mattiazzo
by checking images from the Sun-staring
SOHO spacecraft's
SWAN (Solar Wind ANisotropies) camera.
The comet has now become just visible to
the naked-eye as it sweeps
from
southern to northern skies.
Appearing in morning twilight near the eastern horizon,
Comet SWAN will make its closest approach to planet Earth
on May 12 and reach perihelion on May 27.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.