Holmes has a tail

Hi all,

Just in case anyone wants to try for this under clear skies (and no Moon), comet Holmes has got a tail but it's really faint. You can see it my last image on this page:

www.digitalsky.org.uk/comets/17P-Holmes.html

It's just showing up after 45 minutes of exposure @ ISO 800!!

Best regards,

Pete Lawrence
www.digitalsky.org.uk

Hi

If the comet is at opposition then should the tail be directly behind it or even very short

Hi Pete,

Some great images there. Great to see you posting here too:)

Fingers crossed for the weather plays ball and gives us at least one good night this week!

If a comet were at opposition then its tail would be pointing away from the Sun and appear behind the coma. The Sun's approximately at RA 14h15m and Dec -13 degrees so direct opposition would be at 02h15m +13 degrees. Holmes is nearly at 4h RA and +50 degrees Dec so you would expect the tail to be foreshortened. Well actually, I made that up but it seems to make sense to me

Hi Dave,

I hope it does clear for you all - Holmes is a sight not to be missed. I guess the best way to describe it is weird! :lol:

Good to have you posting here again Pete. Great images as always!

Hopefully Holmes will stay bright until the Moon gets out of the way.