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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.
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: comet
Publications with words: comet
See also:
- Comet 13P Olbers
- APOD: 2024 June 4 Á Comet Pons Brooks Develops Opposing Tails
- APOD: 2024 April 17 Á Total Eclipse and Comets
- APOD: 2024 April 8 Á The Changing Ion Tail of Comet Pons Brooks
- Comet Pons-Brooks at Night
- APOD: 2024 March 18 Á Comet Pons Brooks Swirling Coma
- Comet 12P/Pons Brooks in Northern Spring