comet in Lyra?

Hi all,
Can anybody help me identify the object in the photo I've attached? I've crudely pointed to it. A quick scan on the Minor Planet Center and a google search of "Lyra Comet" hasn't turned anything up. Thanks for anybody that can help me

Attached Image:

Here is a smaller photo attached as well . . .

Attached Image:

After a bit of research I've found that comet C/2012 K5 (LINEAR) was in Lyra at the time of the photo, however it should have been about three degrees to the north near Zeta Lyra and should have been about magnitude 17.8. C/2012 K5 LINEAR is possibly undergoing an outburst, if anybody happens to be observing soon I suggest scanning in and near Lyra.

Hard to say...the focus is real far off... Do you have a better focused shot?

Hi Justin-

I'm betting you shot that pic with a UV or clear filter of some sort, right? If so, the "comet" is likely a reflection off the filter from the bright star Vega. Imagine, if you will, the lens focussing the bright star on the digital detector... Since these reflect some amount of light, the focused star's point goes back out the lens, is recollimated, reflects off the filter and forms another near focus spot (usually with some fuzz from lens aberrations) on the other side of the field center from the original focussed spot. Make sense? If you sent the full frame, your "comet" is very nearly symmentric across the field center from Vega, which is the big clue for me... I has happened before to me and why I ever shoot through filters while under the stars...

-Dean

Justin Fuller said:

Hi all,
Can anybody help me identify the object in the photo I've attached? I've crudely pointed to it. A quick scan on the Minor Planet Center and a google search of "Lyra Comet" hasn't turned anything up. Thanks for anybody that can help me

Good catch Justin!

According to Starry Night Pro it looks like you may have snapped a shot of 17.68 magnitude Comet LINEAR (C/2012 K5).

Attached is a screen shot showing LINEAR C/2012 K5 near where you captured your comet. Thanks and ALL credit must be given to Imaginova Canada Ltd. and all rights belong to them (Starry Night Pro -- please don't sue me for posting this).

Jay

Justin Fuller said:

Hi all,
Can anybody help me identify the object in the photo I've attached? I've crudely pointed to it. A quick scan on the Minor Planet Center and a google search of "Lyra Comet" hasn't turned anything up. Thanks for anybody that can help me

Attached Image: