P/2010 A2: Structures


Caption: Structures observed in P/2010 A2 with Hubble, shown both as positive and negative versions. [Click on the figure to see larger versions of each panel].

N = principal nucleus, a 120-meter diameter body.

AA and BB = cross arms of the "X" structure, though to consist of larger blocks released from the nucleus.

C = objects embedded in the "X" arms and detected on more than one date. These are secondary sources of dust for the tail.

E = faint extension above the main tail, slightly blended with a smeared, background galaxy.

F = filaments of dust released from discrete sources within the "X".

S = Star and background galaxy trails, imperfectly removed from the data.


IMAGES WITH SCALES

David Jewitt

Comet Jewitt Kuiper