Pic du Midi Observatory Images of Comet Hale-Bopp

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Observers: Francois Colas, Cyril Birbaum, Eric Frappa, Laurent Jorda, Sylvain Champenois, Frank Boubault
Location: Pic du Midi Observatory, France
Date: April 1-14, 1997

Evolution of the ion tail, April 1st,12th, 13th and 14th

These images are the result of the subtraction of a "blue image" by a "red image" showing up the blue CO+ emission band at 426 nm after removal of the dust continuum. Ion streamers are clearly visible almost anywhere in the coma. The Images were taken at the F/3 prime focus of the 55 cm telescope. The goal of these observations is to see the evolution of the ion streamers. Is is clearly visible that the comet was not very active on April 1st. The activity of the comet ion tail from April 12th to April 14th have to be related with the recent solar eruption.

Contact: Francois Colas (francois.colas@bdl.fr)

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