Tails of Comet Garradd
A good target for binoculars and small telescopes,
Comet
Garradd (C/2009 P1) now shines in planet Earth's
evening skies,
a steady performer but just
below naked-eye visibility.
Telescopic
images like this composite from October 15
can find the comet with a lovely green coma,
sporting multiple tails, and lingering against
a background of faint stars.
The field of view spans over 1 degree or about 2 full moons
within the southern boundaries of the constellation
Hercules.
Now around 16 light minutes
(2 astronomical units) away, P1 Garradd is an
intrinsically large comet, but
will never make a very close approach to Earth or the Sun
while sweeping
through the inner solar system.
As a result, the comet will likely stay a sight for
telescopic eyes only, moving slowly
through the sky
and remaining in Hercules during the coming months.
