The images to the right have been further processed in order to show the asymmetrical component of the inner coma. There is clearly an intensity excess to the South and West of the nucleus in both colours. This is most likely because the most intensive sublimation takes place on the sunward side of the nucleus. This is probably a combination of the rotation of the nucleus and the pressure by the sunlight on the coma material.
More observations are necessary to arrive at a better understanding of the geometry.
It may be reproduced, if credit is given to the European Southern Observatory. Return to the ESO Homepage for Comet Hyakutake .