A thrice-told tail

Comet Lulin now has three tails! Check out this new image from the Lulin observatory. How is that possible? There are multiple types of comet tails, and depending on what makes up the tail (dust, gas, etc.), it may point either away from the sun or trail behind the comet in its orbit. That isn't always the same direction, thus the strange look. (For more info on this check out this excellent page here from NightSkyHunter.com) I've got a lot more links relating to C/2007 N3 (Lulin), so I will try to update my Lulin Links page tonight.

Also, if you'd like to see the comet up close an personal, but don't have a scope, there is an excellent videocast put out recently by the SLOOH Observatory. You can find it here. Highly recommended, not just because they mention me :)

Thanks to Tavi Greiner and Cosmos4U for the tip!

Clear skies, and don't forget to look up!