Comet Austin develops an ion tail

Comet Austin develops an ion tail. This photo is a reproduction of a photographic plate, obtained with the ESO Schmidt telescope at La Silla in the evening of February 24, 1990 (Feb. 25.0 Universal Time). It was made on blue-sensitive emulsion during evening twilight, only 15 degrees above the horizon. The telescope was set to follow the comet's motion; this is why the images of stars are trailed. The reproduction has been photographically amplified to bring out better the details in the faint tails.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso9004a
Type:Observation
Release date:2 March 1990
Related releases:eso9004
Size:1752 x 1281 px

About the Object

Name:Comet Austin
Type:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Comet
Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Comet : Tail
Category:Solar System

Image Formats

Large JPEG
752.1 KB
Screensize JPEG
299.2 KB

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
B
ESO 1-metre Schmidt telescope