The long ion tail of comet Wilson

The long ion tail of Comet Wilson. This photo of Comet Wilson was obtained with the ESO 1m Schmidt telescope on March 28, 1987, three weeks before its closest approach to the Sun (perihelion). It shows the development of a long, weak ion tail, consisting of ionized atoms and molecules which are pushed away from the coma (comet head) by action of the solar wind. This straight ion tail measures about 3 degrees, corresponding to about 11 million km (projected) and points towards southwest. Note also the streamers near the coma. A short, stubby dust tail is seen towards north (to the left in this picture).

Crédit:

ESO

À propos de l'image

Identification:eso8707a
Type:Observation
Date de publication:14 mai 1987
Communiqués de presse en rapport:eso8707
Taille:1374 x 1773 px

À propos de l'objet

Nom:Comet Wilson
Type:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Comet
Catégorie:Solar System

Formats des images

Grand JPEG
395,5 Kio
JPEG taille écran
230,0 Kio

Couleurs & filtres

DomaineTélescope
VisibleESO 1-metre Schmidt telescope