The 2010 return of comet Hartly 2 was an especially favourable one, with the comet reaching almost naked eye visibility. However the 2010 return was most memorable for the flyby of the mothership from the Deep Impact mission. The flyby resulted in a considerable amount of data about the nucleus, including numerous spectacular images showing many strange and unexpected features.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 8, 2010.
The same set of images used above, however this time the images have been combined using a median filter to minimise the stars.
On this night the comet was drifting past the Double Cluster in Perseus, making a fine sight in a wide-field telescope. At the time, the comet displayed a well-condensed central condensation surrounded by a large and diffuse outer coma. A short, faint tail was also visible.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 8, 2010.
The same image as above, processed to show more of the outer coma of the comet.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 12, 2010.
The same set of images used above, however this time the images have been combined using a median filter to minimise the stars.
This next image is the result of processing the above unfiltered images twice. Once centred on the comet and then again centred on the stars. The resulting images were then combined resulting in the comet being visible against non-trailed stars. This gives a better improssion of the appearence of the comet in the telescope. I also tried this with the colour images, however that was not so successful.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 12, 2010.
Combination of 5, 1 minute images unfiltered.
SBIG STL-1001E CCD. 20" f/6.8 Dall-Kirkham cassegrain at prime focus.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 14, 2010.
Combination of 5, 3 minute images using red, green and blue filters.
SBIG ST-9XE CCD. 5" f/5 refractor at prime focus.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 14, 2010.
The same set of images used above, however this time the images have been combined using a median filter to minimise the stars.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 31, 2010.
Combination of 10, 1 minute images unfiltered.
SBIG ST-9E CCD. 14" f/11 schmidt-cassegrain with an f/6.3 focal reducer.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 31, 2010.
The same set of images used above, however this time the images have been combined using a median filter to minimise the stars.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 31, 2010.
Combination of 5, 3 minute images using red, green and blue filters.
SBIG ST-9XE CCD. 5" f/5 refractor at prime focus.
By November the comet was receeding from both the Earth and the Sun and so fading rapidly.
Comet 103P/ Hartley 2, October 31, 2010.
The same set of images used above, however this time the images have been combined using a median filter to minimise the stars.