Comet 2002 E2 Synder-Murakami

The next moderately bright comet discovered was comet 2002 E2 Synder-Murakami. Already at around 11th magnitude when discovered on March 11, the comet peaked at around magnitude 9.8 at the end of March and then faded slowly, falling below 12th magnitude by the middle of June.

Comet 2002 E2 Synder-Murakami. March 26, 2002.
Combination of 6, 1-minute images, SBIG ST-8E CCD.
8" F/6.3 Meade LX200 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

On this night the comet was around magnitude 10.1 and close to peak brightness. The coma was moderately condensed and about 4' across. No tail was visible in a 10" telescope.

Comet 2002 E2 Synder-Murakami. March 26, 2002.
Combination of 6, 1-minute images, each through red, green and blue filters.
SBIG ST-8E CCD. 8" F/6.3 Meade LX200 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

Comet 2002 E2 Synder-Murakami. May 5, 2002.
1-minute exposure, SBIG ST-8E CCD.
8" F/6.3 Meade LX200 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

Comet 2002 E2 Synder-Murakami. May 5, 2002.
Combination of 3, 1-minute images, SBIG ST-8E CCD.
8" F/6.3 Meade LX200 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

By now the comet had faded to around magnitude 11.7. The coma was now about 2' across. The faint tail visible in the image was not visible in a 10" telescope.