Comet McNaught

[tdwyatt]

BRIGHTENING COMET: Comet McNaught is plunging toward the sun and brightening dramatically. It is now visible to the unaided eye both at sunset and at dawn. Amateur photographers have found that they can take pictures of the comet using off-the-shelf digital cameras with exposure times less than a second. Estimated visual magnitude: between 0 and -1.

To see Comet McNaught, a clear view of the horizon is essential. In the morning, go outside and face east. The comet emerges just ahead of the rising sun. In the evening, face the other way--west. The comet pops out of the western twilight as soon as the sun sets. Binoculars reveal a pretty, gaseous tail. If you have trees blocking the view of the horizon, it may help to get on top of your house or go to a multistory builiding and face the directioin dictated by the time of day.

Northern observers are favored. The long, dark mornings and evenings of Canada, Scandinavia and Alaska are ideal for viewing this comet so close to the Sun. The comet has been sighted in other more sputhern locals as well though, as far south as Kansas in the United States and Italy in Europe.

Go to http://spaceweather.com for more info on this rapidly disappearing comet.

[Loverotties]

Why is it when their is something to see in the sky ,IT ALWAYS rains or very cloudy.

[cath]

Ain't it da truth.

[1spotpooalot]

I cant afford another hobby

[jenajet]

Yep it is so foggy out right now I can't see the top of some of my tree's much less the horizon. Go figure!

[tashier]

Originally Posted by 1spotpooalot

I cant afford another hobby

I'm in the same boat.

[tdwyatt]

Tonight is the night to see this, find an open field nearby that you can see the horizon and check it out! Don't forget a jcket and your binoculars!

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.

[cath]

I'll try to check it out in the morning.

[wharyat]

I caught a quick glimpse of it this morning (unaided), but now we are having nice blizzard.

[Allyson]

Hey Tom, Cath...and everyone!

The news station here mentioned it so the kids and I went outside several times last night but couldn't find it...however after reading your info we were probably looking too high in the sky. Will it still be visible unaided Monday morning...if so I should be able to see it from my office (figures I've been so busy this week I haven't watched the sunrise as I normally do.)

[tdwyatt]

Heh, if you have a nice tall office building then you can see it during the day now as it approaches closer to the sun!


Currently (Jan 15, 2007) observers around the world are reporting that Comet McNaught is now visible in broad daylight. The comet is very close to the sun, so it is still a litte tricky to find. If you want to try, here's how to do it: go outside and stand in the shadow of a building so that the glare of the sun is blocked out. Make a fist and hold it at arm's length. The comet is about one fist-width east of the sun (toward the sunrise direction).

This weekend should make Comet McNaught even more visiblae as it is making its closest approach to the sun. Solar heat causes the comet to vaporize furiously and brighten to daytime visibility. McNaught is now the brightest comet in more than 40 years, and it may become the brightest in centuries.

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