Simcoe Skies Astronomy

Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann - Fragment 'B'

Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann - Fragment B This is a different fragment of 73P, labelled "B fragment". It trails the larger "C fragment" in its path around the sun. Magnitude: Varies - Undetermined Location: Varies - Hercules Distance: approx. 0.1252 AU from Earth Date: May 7/06 Exposures: 31/100 Exposure length: 20s/6s Amp on setting: OFF Brightness: 72 / 95 Gamma: 52 / 52 Gain: 41 / 49 K3 L-Meter: not recorded / 242 Filters: IR filter Notes: Although this fragment is much dimmer than the main "C fragment", it offers much more for study. Note that the nucleus is further disintegrating as can be seen with the multiple nuclei in these two shots where three separate pieces can be easily discerned. This is similar to the "string of pearls" that Comet Shoemaker-Levy was seen to exhibit when it broke up before slamming into Jupiter.