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).

Kredit:

ESO

O snímku

Id:eso8707a
Typ:Pozorování
Datum zveřejnění:14. května 1987
Související články:eso8707
Velikost:1374 x 1773 px

O objektu

Jméno:Comet Wilson
Typ:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Comet
Kategorie:Solar System

Image Formats

největší JPEG
395,5 KB

Barvy & filtry

PásmoDalekohled
OptickýESO 1-metre Schmidt telescope