Comet Lulin...2 Tails?

[Ross G]

Hello,

I was looking at some old shots I took of Comet Lulin in February 2009.

Please excuse the poor processing and the dew on the secondary mirror.

Is that a tail at the front of the Comet or is it just the dew on the mirror?

Taken with an F4 8 inch Newtonian and Canon 350D unmodded.
Six frames at 2 minutes each unguided.
Processed in DeepSkyStacker.

Thanks.

Ross.

[Garyh]

Hi Ross,
What is in the front is definably a tail. Lulin went through a phase of having a nice anti-tail. A nice dust tail one side and the ion tail pointing the opposite direction. The Ion tail angle slowly changed and became less visible to us and this was at the end of its visibility.
Have attached a picture taken probably around the same week as yours with 15min exposure with a 20D..
cheers Gary

[Lester]

We have been a bit comet starved lately, hope the next bright one is soon. Their tails with different characteristics are unique. Thanks for the views.

[Ross G]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the information. I'm glad what I photographed was the comet and not a "dew trail".

I love your photo. The faint details in front of the comet look amazing.
How did you track the comet?

I bet you get some great dark skies up your way.


Thanks.

Ross.

[Ross G]

Hi Lester,

I remember the amazing tail on Comet McNaught as it was setting.
My astrophotography skills at that time were nil and my equipment was minimal.
I would love a comet like that to come now. My skills have improved and I have more equipment...I would have a field day!

Thanks.

Ross.

[Troy]

Both amazing shots Ross, well done :D

[Ross G]

Thanks Troy.


Ross.

[Garyh]

Hi Ross, Like you they are just 3min exposures x 5 stacked with good old DSS.
Really needs to be redone as color etc are not real good. Glad I managed to get some of Lulin as I remember we had plenty of crook weather then!
Yeap I wish I had the gear and lens I have now when the super Mcnaught came by but I was lucky to have my Canon 300D and some clear evenings!
cheers and lets hope for a bright one for 2011!

[multiweb]

Nice one Ross - great colors. :thumbsup:

[Ross G]

Thanks Marc.
Got a clear night last night.

Gary, fingers crossed for 2011.


Ross.