2022e3 20230125 mmckenna

 Sketch and observation of C/2022 E3 ZTF from Jan 25th 2023 at 22.40 UT using 10" F/5 reflector and 26mm 2" SWA eyepiece.


Location, Cookstown,Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland

DC: 6, mag +5.2, located between Draco and Ursa Minor.

Anti-tail 1 degree, transparent dust tail 1.5 degrees or longer. Elongated streak is an isolated long streamer or else a portion of the gas tail. Jets were visible inside the coma. Observed with naked eye as an oval patch with a hint of green, tail also seen without optical aid as an elongated streak at an angle to the north, only time I've seen the tail without optical aid during entire apparition.

Sketch is made from memory based on log book notes, the stars are ficitious and only added to provide an example of the scene I observed. Dust tail was enhanced close to the coma for 15 arc min's before fading into the main tail. 

Page last updated: Sun 12 Nov 21:40:06 GMT 2023