[AZ-Observing] Re: Comet 17/PHolmes - Swan Band filter

     Thanks for showing us that spectrum (and taking it, Keith!).
This is a completely bland solar spectrum.  If there were any emission
to be detected visually, there would have to be a big broad
C2 emission band around 5100A, just right of H-beta in Keith's
spectrum.
     The yellowish color that everyone has been seeing is 
indicative of a straight reflection spectrum; you'd expect reports
of turquoise-blue/green if the comet was gassy.  This is consistent
also with the outburst being basically a lot of dust coming from
the comet; if it was a gassy event, I'm pretty sure the light
distribution would be more nearly 1/radius (falling off smoothly
in brightness) rather than having the more-or-less well-defined
shells like we're seeing.

\Brian
--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please 
send personal replies to the author, not the list.

Other related posts: