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).

Źródło:

ESO

O zdjęciu

Identyfikator:eso8707a
Typ:Obserwacje
Data publikacji:14 maja 1987
Powiązane komunikaty:eso8707
Rozmiar:1374 x 1773 px

O obiekcie

Nazwa:Comet Wilson
Typ:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Comet
Kategoria:Solar System

Formaty zdjęć

Pełen rozmiar
664,7 KB
Wielki JPEG
395,5 KB

Kolory i filtry

PasmoTeleskop
OptycznyESO 1-metre Schmidt telescope