C/1999 Comet Linear fragments

A ground-based telescopic view (2.2-metre telescope) of Comet Linear taken on 5 August 2000. The comet appears as a diffuse elongated cloud of debris without any visible nucleus. Based on these images, some astronomers had concluded that the ices in the nucleus had completely vaporised, leaving behind a loose swarm of dust. Hubble's resolution was needed to pinpoint the remaining nuclei.