Observation by Hugh Allen: Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF coma spectrum

Uploaded by

Hugh Allen

Observer

Hugh Allen

Observed

2023 Jan 21 - 01:30

Uploaded

2023 Jan 21 - 15:25

Objects

C/2022 E3
Spectrum

Equipment

8" Meade LX90 at f6.3
Alpy 600 spectroscope
Atik 314L camera

Exposure

5 x 600sec exposures

Location

Wells, Somerset UK

Target name

Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF

Title

Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF coma spectrum

About this image

Under a beautifully clear but freezing cold sky, I stayed up into the small hours to get a first spectrum of the coma of the brightening comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). It shows the classic cometary emission spectrum with the blue-green carbon Swan bands very prominent. What is stunning is the intense cyanogen CN band down in the near UV. If our eyes (and cameras!) were sensitive down at these wavelengths then this would be a violet not green comet!

Files associated with this observation

Comet C2022E3 ZTF 2023 Jan 21 at 01.30UT annotated.png (37.5 kB)

Like this image

Nick James, Mike Harlow, Robin Leadbeater

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