The Great Binocular Comet of 2001

Photo of comet LINEAR C/2001 A2 on the morning of Jun 12th 2001. 50mm lens, 30 second exposure, fuji 800 ASA. This fascinating comet experienced several outbursts during its apparition. This photo was taken around its peak brightness of 3rd magnitude.

 
5 mornings later, the tail reached maximum length of over 12 degrees. Photo of comet LINEAR C/2001 A2 on the morning of Jun 17th 2001. 50mm lens, cropped 2 minute exposure, fuji 800 ASA

By the morning of June 20th 2001, the tail length had dropped considerably and the comet then shone at magnitude 4.2. The orbital period is 29,000 yrs.