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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Звездная пыль и хвосты кометы http://variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1846091/eng |
Credit & Copyright: Rolando Ligustri
(CARA Project,
CAST)
Explanation:
Heading for its closest approach to the Sun, or perihelion,
on December 19 comet
C/2017
K2 (PanSTARRS) remains a sight
for telescopic observers as it sweeps through planet Earth's skies
in the constellation Scorpius.
The comet currently
sports a greenish
coma, long whitish dust tail, and short ion tail in this
deep image from August 18.
The 2x3 degree wide field of view includes part of the dusty
nebula IC 4592 reflecting blue starlight.
Also known as the Blue Horsehead Nebula,
IC 4592 is about 400 light-years distant while the comet is just under
17 light-minutes away.
First spotted at a distance well beyond the orbit of Saturn
C/2017
K2
is on its maiden voyage to the inner solar system,
a pristine visitor from the
remote Oort
cloud.
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.