Comet C/2013 A1 (Siding Spring) July 24/25

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

ED100 at F7.2, 90 x 1 minute subs, Pentax K-5. Something that looks like an anti-tail seems to be present.

Just a heads up if anyone wants a photo opportunity, the comet passes close to bright galaxies Fornax A and Fornax B on July 28/29. Not that it will be an easy shot as the comet noticeably moves against the background stars after a minute or two.

[tilbrook@rbe.ne (Justin Tilbrook)]

Good work Kevin!

Don't know whether it's an artefact of processing but it looks like it's developing an anitail??

Cheers,

Justin.

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

Thanks Justin. The anti-tail also appears on images from other people in the comet groups so I believe it's real. Apparently we are presently looking down through the tail. It will become more broadside in the coming weeks. Broadside tails are much more spectacular to view so it will only get better.

[tilbrook@rbe.ne (Justin Tilbrook)]

Originally Posted by cometcatcher

Thanks Justin. The anti-tail also appears on images from other people in the comet groups so I believe it's real. Apparently we are presently looking down through the tail. It will become more broadside in the coming weeks. Broadside tails are much more spectacular to view so it will only get better.

Thanks Kevin!

Sorry, see you mentioned this in your original post.

Cheers,

Justin.

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

Have a go with your 8". It's fast optics and your dark sky should get a better pic than me.