Comet 2000 CT54 LINEAR

Comet 2000 CT54 was a faint come that peaked at just above 15th magnitude, and remained above 17th magnitude for more than 2 years. In June 2001, this comet passed between Small Magellanic Cloud and the globular cluster 47 Tucanae. Unfortunately at this time the comet was around magnitude 15 and so could not be seen visually! Still, in CCD images the comet showed a nice tail.

Comet 2000ct54 LINEAR. August 28, 2000.
3 minutes exposure, Meade 416XTE CCD. 300mm f/6 newtonian at prime focus.

Comet 2000ct54 LINEAR. June 19, 2001.
Combination of 4, 3 minute images, Meade 416XTE CCD. 300mm f/6 newtonian at prime focus.

Comet 2000ct54 LINEAR. June 21, 2001.
Combination of 2, 3 minute images, Meade 416XTE CCD. 300mm f/6 newtonian at prime focus.

The motion of the comet during the 2 days between the above images is easily seen.