C/2004 Q2 Machholz (Jan 01)

clic for 50% size L frame 1299 x 1530 (195 kB)


About this Image

The comet Machholz Q2 is heading north, now near its closest approach to the sun, shining at approx mag 4.1. The ion tail to the north-east still is faint but shows internal structure. Its lenght in this image measures 1.2 degree.

Below you find a 32 frame animation over approx. 2 hours.
north is up

clic for animation 3100 kB


Technical Details
Optics

410mm Cassegrain in prime focus at f/3

Mount MK-100 GEM
Camera SBIG STL-11000M at -30C, internal filter wheel
Filters Astronomik LRGB
Date Jan 01, 2005 20:40-22:40 UT.
Location Wildon/Austria
Sky Conditions mag 5.5 sky, high transparency, temperature 0 C
Exposure L:R:G:B all 200 sec sub-exposures; 2x2 bin
Processing Image calibration in ImagesPlus;
processing, curves in Photoshop; animation in Imageready;