Spectra of comet Panstarrs, March 25, 2013
Left: A telephoto of the comet. 3 sec exposure time on ISO 1600. Camera on tripod. Middle: Wide slit, zero order image of the nucleus in prime focus of a Schmidt-Cassegrain f/10 telescope. Right: narrow slit - ready for recording!
Carbon C2 molecular band heads in the green. These spectra were taken with the QCSPEC on a 16 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, and the Canon camera, with about 1 minute exposure time on ISO 1600. It is challenging to take spectra of comets as they are relavively dim, and it can be difficult to keep them on the slit due to their motion. A guding camera that tracks the nucelus can be of great help.
Yellow emission lines in Sodium (far right). This emission was a surprise and it came from the narrow gas-tail. All in all, a WHOW! experience.