New Activity in 73P Schwassmann-Wachmann

New Activity in 73P Schwassmann-Wachmann
(see previous News Posting regarding overview of primary comet components!)

Below are two images of "component B" of Comet Scwassmann-Wachmann 73P; the first is normal processing of the comet, clearly showing a very stellar and distinct nucleus from April 14 through the ASO 0.41m RC @ f/3.3 using a Kodak CCD KAF0402ME chip; a very beautiful and symmetrical "butterfly" tail is seen to the southwest of the comet.

However, veteran comet imager Mike Holloway of Van Buren, AR, reprocessed this image to higher scale and resolution to reveal that there might be a SECOND fragmentary body following in the wake of the primary nucleus; the re-processed ASO image (in negative to enhance contrast and define slight gradients) is seen following the "white-on'black" wider field image.

Measurements by Dr. Clay at ASO reveal that the fragment is trailing the primary nucleus some 13 arc seconds in position angle 225.

Both this "B" component and the brighter "C" component (see ASO Comet Tables for regular updates and images of these) are expected to reach naked eye brightness (about magnitude 3.5) at mid-May, BUT the light of the full moon may prevent spotting without binoculars.

Stay tuned to ASO for further developments. Much thanks to Mr. Holloway for taking the initiative to further enhance this image and bring this development to our attention!

Dr. Clay