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Pencil on paper drawing of Comet Kohoutek made by astronaut E. G. Gibson during the Skylab 3 mission. Gibson, the science specialist and pilot for the third manned Skylab visit, is a solar physicist and focused on the astronomical experiments. He took the opportunity to observe the comet visually through different windows in Skylab during the 84-day mission, supplementing electronographic images taken by various Skylab telescopes.

The full suite of over a dozen drawings and renderings was split between the space science collection and the art collection after it was donated by the Aerospace Corporation. This drawing, labeled "day 363" represents the comet one day after perihelion as it developed a sunward spike.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type LITERATURE AND RESEARCH-Drawings & Blueprints (Archives) Artist Edward G. Gibson
Dimensions 2023 update Framed:
W: 19 ¾”
H:14”
D: 1”
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 21.9 × 38.1cm (8 5/8 in. × 15 in.)
Storage: 43.2 × 29.2cm (17 × 11 1/2 in.)
Materials Paper
Plastic
Graphite Pencil
Ink
Inventory Number A19761582000 Credit Line Gift of the Aerospace Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.