Comet Enthusiast

There have been some great images and video of Comet Lovejoy’s close encounter with the Sun, but this video put together by Scott Wiessinger from Goddard Spaceflight Center combines and zooms in on the best views from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), which adjusted its cameras in order to watch the trajectory.

The first part of the video from SDO, (taken in 171 Angstrom wavelength, which is typically shown in yellow) taken on Dec 15, 2011 showing Comet Lovejoy moving in toward the Sun, with its tail “wiggling” from its interaction with the solar wind. The second part of the clip shows the comet exiting from behind the right side of the Sun, after an hour of travel through its closest approach.

No time travel with this slingshot around the Sun, but it is amazing to be able to follow this comet’s journey so closely!

Nancy Atkinson is Universe Today's Senior Editor. She also is the project manager for the 365 Days of Astronomy podcast, works with Astronomy Cast and is host of the NASA Lunar Science Institute podcast. Nancy is also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador.

Tagged as:
Comet Lovejoy,
Comets,
Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)