About the Object

Name: 238P/Read
Category: NIRCam
Solar System

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Infrared 2.0 μmJames Webb Space Telescope
NIRCam

NIRCam image of Comet 238P/Read

This image of Comet 238P/Read was captured by the NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument on the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope on 8 September 2022. It displays the hazy halo, called the coma, and tail that are characteristic of comets, as opposed to asteroids. The dusty coma and tail result from the vapourisation of ices as the Sun warms the main body of the comet.

[Image description: In the centre of a black image, a small glowing, hazy point glows white, surrounded by blue that trails off to the lower right.]

Credit:

NASA, ESA, CSA, M. Kelley (University of Maryland), H. Hsieh (Planetary Science Institute), A. Pagan (STScI)

About the Image

Id: weic2313b
Type: Planetary
Release date: 15 May 2023, 17:00
Related releases: weic2313
Size: 972 x 855 px


Image Formats

Download IconLarge JPEG 116.5 KB
Download IconScreensize JPEG 84.5 KB

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Download Icon1600x1200 189.8 KB
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