[meteorite-list] Illusion of "sliding" comet

Matson, Robert D. ROBERT.D.MATSON at saic.com
Tue Dec 13 20:19:26 EST 2011


Hi Jim,

The "slide" you're seeing is due to our (or rather STEREO's) changing
perspective on the comet relative to the background. Remember that we
(and the two STEREOs) are in orbit about the sun, too, so there are
two motions going on. Our observing platform is sliding to the right
relative to the sun, coupled with the comet's parabolic orbit coming
up from the south.  --Rob

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Wooddell [mailto:nf114ec at npgcable.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 4:57 PM
To: Matson, Robert D.; Meteorite Mailing List
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Link to Comet Lovejoy movie

Hi Rob,

No problem....glad to do it.

What is interesting....or am I looking at it wrong, it appears to be 
"slipping" as if in a cross wind....link an airplane slipping to make a 
landing ???

Jim




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