C/2012 T5 Bressi

Closest to Earth on 14 Dec 2012 at 0.93AU.
Closest to Sun on 24 Feb 2013 at 0.32AU.
Maximum magnitude 9 in Feb 2013

Comet Bressi outburst development and subsequent fade
 This dynamically new comet was not expected to survive perihelion, due to its intrinsic faintness.
 


2013 Jan 7.5 UT: 20x10 sec exposures, C11 + MX7c CCD camera. Pre-outburst.


2013 Jan 27.5 UT: 20x10 sec exposures, C11 + MX7c CCD camera. Post reported outburst.


2013 Feb 2.5 UT: 20x10 sec exposures, C11 + MX7c CCD camera.
My first visual observation on Feb 2 through 25x100mm binoculars indicates a magnitude of 9.8, Dia of 2' and DC 6.
Notice the teardrop shape of the head in the last image, which could be a sign of nuclear disruption.


2013 Feb 2.5UT: taken through Canon 60Da 10x15second stacked exposures.
 


2013 Feb 4.5 and Feb 5.5: composite image.
Comet underwent significant fading. Visual estimates were 9.2 and 10.5 respectively.
Canon 60da,300mm zoom lens cropped. 2x2 minute exposures composited.
 


2013 Feb 12.5 UT: 20x10 sec exposures, C11 + MX7c CCD camera. Low elevation. Appears about magnitude 11.
No evidence of nuclear disruption in this image.

Below visual observations in ICQ format

2012T5 2013 2 2.47 S 9.8 TK 10 B 25 2 6 ICQ nn MAT08
2012T5 20130202.47 Post outburst. Bright and well condensed. [Michael Mattiazzo]
2012T5 2013 2 3.46 S 9.5 TK 10 B 25 2 6 ICQ nn MAT08
2012T5 2013 2 4.47 S 9.2 TK 10 B 25 2 6 ICQ nn MAT08
2012T5 2013 2 5.47 S 10.5 TK 10 B 25 2 3 ICQ nn MAT08
2012T5 20130205.47 Significant fading noticed this evening. [Michael Mattiazzo]
2012T5 2013 2 6.47 S 10.8 TK 10 B 25 2 3 ICQ nn MAT08
2012T5 20130206.47 fading continues [Michael Mattiazzo]