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Credit:
T. Puckett
(Puckett Observatory)
Explanation:
This enhanced composite image
detailing structure in the coma and dust tail of Hale-Bopp was recorded May 5 -
one day before the comet's passage from
north to south across
the plane of Earth's orbit.
As the comet descends into murky
twilight for northern hemisphere
observers it will become increasingly easy to view from the south.
Along with Southern Hemisphere observers,
astronomers and a fleet of spacecraft of
the International Solar-Terrestrial Physics program
have been anxiously
awaiting this north/south crossing.
The comet's interaction with the changing equatorial
solar wind and magnetic field
during this crossing is expected to
produce distortions and disconnections of Hale-Bopp's ion tail.
Whisker-like structures, probably part of the ion tail, are
visible above extending from the lower left of the bright coma.
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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 Hale-Bopp
Publications with words: Comet Hale-Bopp
See also: