OT: Comet McNaught

Spacehead

Lifer
Jun 2, 2002
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Space Weather News for Jan. 10, 2007
http://spaceweather.com

Comet McNaught has continued to brighten as it approaches the sun and it is now the brightest comet in 30 years. For observers in the northern Hemisphere, tonight is probably the best time to see it: Go outside this evening and face the sunset. A clear view of the western horizon is essential, because the comet hangs very low. As the twilight fades to black, it should become visible to the naked eye. Observers say it's a fantastic sight through binoculars.

In the days ahead, Comet McNaught will pass the sun and emerge in good position for southern hemisphere viewing later this month. Meanwhile, solar heating will continue to puff up the comet, causing it to brighten even more. It could become one of the brightest comets in centuries, visible even in daylit skies.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and updates.

Unfortunately, it's been rather cloudy the last few days so i haven't had a chance to see it yet. Good luck to those with clear skies.

edit- i just stepped outside. It's perfectly clear to the East but solid clouds from zenith to the West :(
 

Spacehead

Lifer
Jun 2, 2002
13,201
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Originally posted by: Spacehead
edit- i just stepped outside. It's perfectly clear to the East but solid clouds from zenith to the West :(
Thursday morning when i left for work it was clear in about 90% of the sky... except to the East :(

I think some one doesn't want me to see this comet.
 

Wiz

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
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It was clear skies here yesterday (NW Wa State) but too many trees & hills where I live.
I drove up to a higher area but still had too many obstructions.
It's totally cloudy again today. :(
 

panhead49

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Jan 27, 2001
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Before i go and dig for the info ....does anyone have the "window" dates this comet will be visable???.....anyone
 

OhioDude

Diamond Member
Apr 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: panhead49
Before i go and dig for the info ....does anyone have the "window" dates this comet will be visable???.....anyone
Unfortunately for those of us in the northern latitudes, it is no longer visible. :( You might be able to catch a faint glimpse of the tail very low on the horizon just before sunrise or just after sunset today, but the coma has dipped below the horizon. Folks in the southern hemisphere should be able to see it quite well through the remainder of January.

Here's a link to another APOD pic from today to add to Spacie's collection:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070115.html