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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Хвосты кометы Гаррадда http://www.variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1254247/eng |
Credit & Copyright: Gregg Ruppel
Explanation:
A good target for binoculars and small telescopes,
Comet
Garradd (C/2009 P1) now shines in planet Earth's
evening skies,
a steady performer but just
below naked-eye visibility.
Telescopic
images like this composite from October 15
can find the comet with a lovely green coma,
sporting multiple tails, and lingering against
a background of faint stars.
The field of view spans over 1 degree or about 2 full moons
within the southern boundaries of the constellation
Hercules.
Now around 16 light minutes
(2 astronomical units) away, P1 Garradd is an
intrinsically large comet, but
will never make a very close approach to Earth or the Sun
while sweeping
through the inner solar system.
As a result, the comet will likely stay a sight for
telescopic eyes only, moving slowly
through the sky
and remaining in Hercules during the coming months.
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.