64K
Observers: Tom Jarrett, Nick Gautier
Location: Palomar Observatory, California
Date: March 2, 1997
Infrared Astronomy at Palomar Observatory Using the Prime Focus Infrared Camera (PFIRCAM)
In a joint effort between engineers and scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology, a near-infrared (0.8 - 2.6 microns) direct imaging system has been developed and integrated into the Caltech Palomar Observatory detector series. The camera system has been tested and operated in a science mode at the prime-focus (f/3.3) of the Hale 5-m (200") Telescope.
Narrow band Br-Gamma (2.17 microns) image of Comet Hale-Bopp, taken with the Hale 200" telescope March 02, 1997.
upper left panel: 2.5' X 2.5' false-color image centered on the core.
upper right panel: 2.5' X 2.5' false-color image centered on the core;
log stretch.
lower left panel: Core of Comet Hale-Bopp magnified X3.
lower right panel: Core of Comet Hale-Bopp magnified X6.
Note: Southwest jet-like feature is a star trail.
For Additional Information, email:
Tom Jarrett (jarrett@ipac.caltech.edu)
Comet Hale-Bopp Home Page