Comet Comet SOHO 1998 J1 May 23, 1998.
20 minutes exposure, Fujichrome 400.
6" f/3.75 schmidt-newtonian at prime focus
Originally discovered on images taken by the SOHO spacecraft, this comet made a brief, interesting display during late May when it was visible to the naked eye and passed between M42 and the Horsehead nebula.
Comet SOHO passing close to M42. These photographs were taken between clouds when the comet was very low to the horizon, (less than 15 degrees!!!) and when a very strong wind was blowing. The comet was easily visible to the naked eye and made a very good sight in a telescope.
As the days progressed, the comet climber higher in the sky, but faded quickly and also rapidly lost the beautiful long tail initially visible. The waxing Moon also caused problems by the beginning of June.
The large open cluster in M41 in Canis Major.
