Comet C/2001 A2 (Linear)

Comet C/2001 A2 is a fairly bright comet that graced our skies in early Summer 2001. Its nucleus was observed to split back in March and by mid-May there were reports that the nucleus was now in three pieces. The comet rounded perihelion (closest point to the sun) on May 24th and now recedes back to the outer reaches of the solar system and is fading rapidly (as of August 2001).

Date/Location:    July 21, 2001     Iwancio-Hodge Observatory    Bethune, SC
Instrument:    SBIG ST-7 through 12" LX-200
Focal Ratio:   f 10
Guiding:    Auto via ST-7
Conditions:    Visually clear, but with moderate high level water vapor
Weather:    70 F, Still wind
Exposure:
Filters:    None
Processing:

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