Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner: an image (9 Sept. 2018)

We imaged comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner again, under less than ideal conditions. The comet is always a stunning view, now ready to reach its perihelion. We will keep an eye on it.

Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner: 9 Sept. 2018

The image above comes from the average of 10, 120-seconds exposures, unfiltered, remotely collected “Elena” (PlaneWave 17″+Paramount ME+SBIG STL-6303E) robotic unit available at the Virtual Telescope Project. The robotic telescope tracked the apparent motion of comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, so stars left trails on the background. The image scale is 1.2″/pixel.

Once averaged, images were carefully processed to assure a good visibility of both the bright false nucleus and the faint coma. During the imaging sessions, some subtle clouds were crossing the sky.

We plan to observe this comet regularly.

Back to “Solar System” page

Support The Virtual Telescope Project!

Support us! Please, donate and receive unique, LIMITED EDITION set of images of the stunning comet 12P/Pons-Brooks with Andromeda Galaxy, of potentially hazardous asteroids, space stations and much more, specifically made for supporters like you!

(you can adjust the amount later)