Comet C/2012 F6 (Lemmon) grows a tail.

kinetic (Steve) · #1 27-01-2013, 10:04 PM

I think I might have got tail structure last night finally.
Full Moon didn't help but I think I see maybe a split tail.
I have a 2nd set to still do.
(Smudge is texta on CCD...don't ask!

see 3rd frame stacked on stars)
Steve

SkyViking (Rolf) · #2 27-01-2013, 10:13 PM

Nice catch Steve. I got some data from yesterday and a split tail was clearly visible. I'm out gathering new data tonight (better framing) and the tail looks different this time, very interesting.

kinetic (Steve) · #3 27-01-2013, 10:59 PM

Thanks Rolf, you got a headstart on me, Crux isn't above my house for another hour!

I look forward to seeing it!
Here's set 2 and a combination stack of sets 1 and 2.
Longer star trails=more comet detail but layered over more overlapping stars= almost no gain.
All sets: DSI II cooled to 7.7C / Dew point 11C / ambient 15C
This represents 1 hour 4 mins of movement.

12" F/5 Newt / Homemade GEM.

Steve

kinetic (Steve) · #4 28-01-2013, 10:44 AM

Sets from last night and a topography filter to emphasise tail
Tail has a distinct split, maybe even 3 elements to it?

Steve

Matt Wastell (Matt) · #5 28-01-2013, 10:49 AM

Hi Steve
These are excellent - very impressive!

spymaster (Matt) · #6 28-01-2013, 02:07 PM

Great photos! Out of curiosity, how long were your exposures? I don't have an equatorial mount, so only managed to capture a noisy fuzzy cloud with a single exposure of several seconds.

kinetic (Steve) · #7 28-01-2013, 11:19 PM

Thanks Matt and Matt,

275 views and 3 comments, tough crowd!

exposures, Matt, typical of this setup: 5s x250 to 300 frames
depending on change of focus due to ambient or seeing/ breezes / lack of sleep

Not bad for a full moon eh.

Steve