Hubble Space Telescope image of Fragment B of comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, showing its disintegration into numerous smaller pieces, each with its own coma and tail. The image spans over 3,000 kilometers, taken on April 18th from a distance of 32 million kilometers.

Astronomy Picture from 04/05/2006

Schwassmann-Wachmann 3: Fragment B

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap060504.html


#Comet73P #SchwassmannWachmann3 #DisintegratingComet #HubbleSpaceTelescope #Space #Astronomy #CometFragment #SolarSystem #DeepSpace

Image of Fragment B of Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, captured by the Very Large Telescope. The main fragment is prominent, with numerous smaller fragments visible, each exhibiting a hazy coma. Arrows indicate the various fragments and their tails. The image showcases the fragmented nature of the comet as it approaches perihelion.

Astronomy Picture from 26/04/2006

Crumbling Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 Approaches

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap060426.html


#Comet73P #SchwassmannWachmann3 #CrumblingComet #NearEarthObject #SpaceRocks #Astronomy #Cosmology #DeepSpace #CometFragment #MiniComets