Comet McNaught over the Pacific Ocean

In this extraordinary picture taken from Paranal Observatory, the incomparable view offered by Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught), which reached its perihelion in January 2007, unexpectedly becoming the brightest comet in the previous 40 years. The majestic comet is setting at twilight over the “sea of clouds” which typically covers the Pacific Ocean, only 12 km away from the observatory. The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) is visible on the left of the comet, while the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) appears near the upper edge of the picture.  

Credit:

S. Deiries/ESO

About the Image

Id:mc_naught57
Type:Photographic
Release date:13 July 2010, 17:06
Size:3239 x 2159 px

About the Object

Name:Comet McNaught
Type:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Comet
Category:Solar System

Image Formats

Large JPEG
1.7 MB
Screensize JPEG
179.2 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
244.8 KB
1280x1024
393.6 KB
1600x1200
570.4 KB
1920x1200
686.1 KB
2048x1536
908.3 KB