Observation by Robin Leadbeater: Comet 67P - a low resolution spectrum

Uploaded by

Robin Leadbeater

Observer

Robin Leadbeater

Observed

2021 Nov 07 - 23:28

Uploaded

2021 Nov 09 - 20:26

Objects

67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Spectrum

Equipment

ALPY 200 spectrograph
ATK 314 camera
Celestron C11 SCT 280mm aperture f5.5

Exposure

5400 sec (9x600s)

Location

Wigton Cumbria

Target name

Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko

Title

Comet 67P - a low resolution spectrum

About this image

The spectrum of the inner coma to 30 arcsec diameter is dominated by scattered sunlight from the dust. In comparison with this spectrum of 29P however a few percent of the light comes from emission features. By subtracting the scattered sunlight in the spectrum, emission from CN, C2 and NH2 can be picked up. The same emission features can be seen in the spectrum image, further away from the central region where there is less dust. (The raw spectrum image has been stretched to bring out the fainter emission in the outer regions. This has saturated the much brighter inner coma in the image. The original fits image used to produce the digitised spectrum is not saturated.)

Files associated with this observation

67P_20211107_poster.png (467.4 kB)

Like this image

Derek Robson, Mike Harlow, Marc Charron, Peter Carson

Comments

Derek Robson, 2021 Nov 09 - 23:28 UTC

Very nice work. I don't understand why the spectrum doesn't look saturated, if the spectrum is taken as a horizontal slice through the middle part of the black. It all looks black on the screen image, but does it show a variation in intensity on closer inspection?

Robin Leadbeater, 2021 Nov 10 - 13:51 UTC

Hi Derek,

The raw spectrum image shown here has been very stretched to bring out the faint emission in the outer region. This has saturated the central region of the coma. The original fits image which was used to produce the spectrum is not saturated. (I will add a note to the image in explanation)

Thanks

Robin

Derek Robson

Derek Robson, 2021 Nov 11 - 00:23 UTC

Oh right, I understand, thanks

Derek

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