Rosetta's close encounter

All images on this page were taken with CCD Apogee AP7p (+ R-filter) in the primary focus of 0.65-m reflector at Ondrejov Observatory, Czech republic. FOV is 18' x 18', north is up and east to the left. Full-size images (511 x 511 px) are accesible after clicking on the picture. Accurate spacecraft positions were obtained using Ephemeris Generator of the JPL's HORIZONS system. Read more about Rosetta project [1, 2].

	Date & time: March 2, 2005 -- from 00:33:46 to 00:49:39 UT Coordinates (center): 11^h04,9^m and +2°25", i.e. 5,4° SW from σ Leo (+4,0 mag) This image is a composite from 16 exposures (16x50 s). The brightest star on image has apparent magnitude of +9.8 and the spacecraft had +16.5 mag. Distance to observer: 1 045 940 km Appearent motion: 4,18"/min
	Date & time: March 4, 2005 -- from 19:48:17 to 19:50:09 UT Coordinates (center): 10^h11,6^m and +8°54", i.e. 3,2° SSE from α Leo (Regulus) This image is a composite from 10 very short exposures (10x1 s). The brightest star on image has apparent magnitude of +9,2 mag and the spacecraft had +12,2 mag. Distance to observer: 48 790 km Appearent motion: 6,1"/s (368"/min)
	Date & time: March 4, 2005 -- from 19:53:42 to 19:54:32 UT Coordinates (center): 10^h09,6^m and +9°04", i.e. 2,9° S from α Leo (Regulus) This image is a single 50-s exposure. The brightest star on image has apparent magnitude of +11,1 mag and the spacecraft had +12,2 mag. Distance to observer: 47 130 km Appearent motion: 6,6"/s (394"/min)
	Date & time: March 4, 2005 -- from 19:56:33 to 19:58:33 UT Coordinates (center): 10^h08,1^m and +9°09", i.e. 2,8° S from α Leo (Regulus) This image is a composite from 8 short exposures (8x5 s). The brightest star on image has apparent magnitude of +10,7 mag and the spacecraft had +12,2 mag. Distance to observer: 45 630 km Appearent motion: 6,9"/s (415"/min)