Posted on 01/26/2013 9:52:07 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Comet McNaught of 2007 has been, so far, the most photogenic comet of our time. After making quite a show in the northern hemisphere in early 2007 January, the comet moved south and developed a long and unusual dust tail that dazzled southern hemisphere observers. In this image, Comet McNaught was captured above Santiago, Chile. The bright comet dominates on the left while part of its magnificent tail spreads across the entire frame. From this vantage point in the Andes Mountains, one looks up toward Comet McNaught and a magnificent sky, across at a crescent moon, and down on clouds, atmospheric haze, and the city lights. The current year -- 2013 -- holds promise to be even better for comets than 2007. In early March, Comet PANSTARRS is on track to become visible to the unaided eye, while at the end of the year Comet ISON shows possibilities that include casting a tail that spreads across the sky, breaking up, and even becoming one of the brightest comets in recorded history.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit & Copyright: Stéphane Guisard]
I like it!
Thanks very much, SunkenCiv!
Primordial Dry Ice Fuels Comet Jets
http://newsdesk.umd.edu/engaged/release.cfm?ArticleID=2279
Sublimation
http://www.windows2universe.org/comets/sublimation.html
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Comets are both heads and tails (SuperBowl tie-in for APoD).
Nice especially when you look closely at those illuminated bands arcing across the frame.
When ISON arrives later this year, assuming it lives up to its billing, it is going to be very difficult for many of us to view without ascribing some kind of predictive meaning to it, considering circumstances in the world these days. Guess it’s just human nature to react like that even in scientifically literate times.
Very cool. Thanks, Sunky!
Trying to figure out where the photo was taken. The city lights must be Santiago?
Note to self, read the article first.
Wow! That gorgeous tail is monster huge!
This is a great APOD, and only partially earthbound, Mr. Civilizations. Thank you, Sir!
Beautiful.
That is just beautiful!
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