The extraordinary object A/2017 U1 just traveling in our Solar System: a new, extreme image (27 Oct. 2017)
We did some follow-up observations of the extraordinary object A/2017 U1, right now quickly traveling across the inner Solar System on an hyperbolic orbit, coming from the interstellar space. It was a very difficult observation, but we captured this special visitor.
The object A/2017 U1 – 27 Oct. 2017
The image above is an extreme one. It comes from the average of 25, 180-seconds exposures, unfiltered, remotely taken with the 16″-f/3.75 Tenagra III (“Pearl”) robotic unit part of Tenagra Observatories in Arizona. It shows A/2017 U1 as an extremely faint point of light, at the expected position. The telescope tracked the apparent motion of the object across the stars. We measured a magnitude of 22.5/22.9, really deep for a 16″ telescope. This was possible thanks to the exceptional sky at the observing site.
The Minor Planet Center issued its electronic circular MPEC 2017-U234, including our astrometry from our previous observation of this object. So, we contributed to the understanding of this exceptional visitor coming from outside the Solar System.
Back to the “Solar System” page
Support The Virtual Telescope Project!
Support us! Please, donate and receive an EXCLUSIVE image of the stunning COMET C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and much more, specifically made for supporters like you!
(you can adjust the amount later)
