The extended tail of Comet McNaught, seen from the Paranal observing platform, in the evening of 20 January 2007, when the comet was setting behind the Pacific Ocean. In the foreground, one can see one of the VLT Unit Telescopes, while on the right, the Moon and planet Venus are visible. In early January 2007, comet McNaught brightened rapidly, in such a way as to become easily visible with the unaided eye, thereby earning its title of Great Comet of 2007. It even became the brightest comet in more than 40 years.
This product is only available in electronic form.Credit: