Antilhue - Chile

C/2001 Q4 (NEAT)
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Image Data

Designation C/2001 Q4 (NEAT)
Object type Comet
Coordinates at exposure time 07h48min  -06°14'  (Monoceros) 
Description The comet features a triple multicolor and multidirectional tail and a beautiful turquoise color.  This image was taken around the date of its expected maximum brightness when C/2001 Q4 was only 0.33 AU away. (AU = astronomical unit = distance from sun to earth) 

The top image was processed for maximum structural detail.  The oblique streaks illustrate the comet's movement in front of the background stars: about 5 arcminutes during the 23 minute imaging session.  The bottom image was processed for better aesthetic appeal.

The field is just under 2 degrees wide with south towards the top.
Exposure RGB 6:6:6 min @ -15°C - 2x2 - all exposures 40 s.
Guiding SmartGuide, Astro-Physics' variable rate tracking tool
Camera SBIG ST-10XE + SBIG CFW-8 with Astrodon Tru-Balance filter set.
Optics Astro-Physics 105mm Traveler with 0.75x reducer
Mount Astro-Physics AP900GTO
Software MaxIm DL/CCD, Sigma Pre Beta 11, Adobe Photoshop CS
Location - Date - Time San Esteban (Chile) - 09May2004 - 01:00 UTC
Conditions Transparency 6,  Seeing 6, Temperature +15°C