Stereoscope Observations of a Kreutz Sungrazing Comet by the SECCHI COR1 Coronagraphs Aboard STEREO

On June 8, 2007, a sungrazing comet was seen by the COR1 and COR2 coronagraphs on both the STEREO Ahead and Behind spacecraft. At that time, the two spacecraft had a heliocentric separation of just under 12 degrees, allowing for the first time the triangulation of the position and shape of the comet as it approaches the Sun. Additional observations were made by the C2 and C3 coronagraphs on SOHO. As is usual with Kreutz sungrazers, the comet did not survive perihelion passage. However, the tail remnant was seen to drift slowly outward after perihelion. Data from the two COR1 telescopes will be combined to derive 3D positions, and compared with other observations.