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Old 25-12-2021, 06:28 PM
Rob_K
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Rob_K is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bright, Vic, Australia
Posts: 2,165
Spectra of comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard)

This comet has proved interesting since it entered southern skies in bright twilight on 16 December. I've managed to image it nearly every night since and I've obtained a spectrum twice (well, three times but the first was so noisy it was virtually unusable! ). It has had two major outbursts in the last week and last night it was a very easy naked-eye get in the western sky, like a fuzzy star and mag 3.1 by my estimate.

Last night's spectrum is attached as well as a comparison between the two spectra obtained - no real change visible. They show diatomic carbon emissions climbing over a continuum from sunlight reflection off the dust. Also a night-to-night montage of the comet.

Anyway, if you want to see it, get in quick because it may not survive much longer!

Cheers -
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (A1 spectrum, 24 Dec 2021 text sm.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (A1 spectra, 20 & 24 Dec 2021 text sm.jpg)
158.8 KB119 views
Click for full-size image (A1 18-24 Dec 2021 montage sm.jpg)
167.4 KB156 views
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