Hi all, got the comet last night 25-2-12, the first image is 16x6 minute exposures with astro 40D at ISO 1600 and Takahashi 160mm f3.3 Epsilon Astrograph. I hope Rob or Terry can answer the mystery with the head of the comet, as it appears disjointed. The bottom short piece is actually in the correct position for the comet head, with the longer section showing the rest of the tail to the left of SAO 15007 and SAO 150082. These exposures were taken between 9:18:55 and 10:57:35 p.m. S.A. daylight saving time.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/b639091a.jpg
Here are 25x2 minute exposures taken with 5D MK II at ISO 6400 ICNR, and 200mmf2.8 lens. The first is a full FOV showing at the top centre a Very rich blue star, this is Hinds Crimson star. Comet Lovejoy is below centre running cross ways.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/55b12b9f.jpg
Here is a full size crop of the above image, and showing similar to the Takahashi instrument, with the disjointed head. Could this rule out an artifact, as different camera and lens was used. I am new to comet characteristics, and don't know if it would be possible for such to happen, with head/tail becomming detached.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/c01d711b.jpg