Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 73P in Dramatic Close Pass

[drclay]

Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 73P in Dramatic Close Pass
For most of us, this might be the last week of visibility of this comet before Perihelion with the sun in early June (see JUNE CALENDAR!)
This incredible comet has provided quite a celestial fireworks show and shows little sign of letting up.

COMPONENT B, which has shown dramatic fragmentation only to appear singular again within days, is again producing quite a show (see photo below); on May 17, ASO imaged the comet (see Image Archives for May 17) as having a trail of fragments anti-sun with a developing ion tail; this image below shows the comet one day later, with an obvious sunward spike, yet individual fragments cannot be discerned.

COMPONENT C, while others are becoming less active, this fragment has now stepped up to the plate and is beginning to show signs of dramatic activity (see photo below); seen first by ASO Petit Jean on May 17, the coma of this fragment has become hourglass or "dumbbell" shaped, increasing dramatically in just 24 hours.

Now encroaching in the early dawn twilight skies, this is likely the last week or two that the comet will be monitored at ASO Petit Jean Mountain, since only one gap between two old oak trees to the east has allowed for following of this comet.....the combination of moonlight and now dawn will likely put a stop to ASO observations until after perihelion.  NOTE the many fragments and dates of close sun passage in the ASO June Calendar.

Enjoy this comet while you can!

[Ron]

Dr Clay,

I have certainly enjoyed looking at this Comet and watching the way it has changed from night to night.

I have enjoyed the many fine images that you have posted on this site and others, and also the many fine images posted by other Comet Watchers from around the World.

I'll be sad to see it go,

Ron

[BobRose]

I saw the photo of the “C” fragment on spaceweather.com.  Reminds me of the tailfins on a “Caddie” as they go by.  This has been a fascinating comet with still more to come.
Bob