2023 P1 Nishimura

[astronobob]

Howdy Gents,,
Im surprised I have not seen any post of this comet that Ive seen on the web over a week or so ago,, Im also out-of-touch with orbital elements ect, apparently this comet nears Leo in a few days soo, I must check Stellarium.

So just thought to put this out-there if any comet imagers are unaware.

Also a YouTube Vid link about it below,,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c-JJSPLLgM

:cool2:

[Saturnine]

The comet is an northern hemisphere object as it approaches the Sun, basically below the horizon for us, at either sunset or sunrise. North America and Europe and Asia are getting all the fun of this one. https://spaceweathergallery2.com/index.php?title=comet

[astronobob]

Thnx for clarifying Jeff, some nice images there also. Maybe visable Down-Under after rounds the sun

[glend]

There was a lady on the ABC claiming it can be seen in Australia, if you can find Venus in morning, it will be just below it. Visually a big ask but if your setup for (EEA) enhanced imaging, using Sharpcap frame alignment and stacking, you should be able to get a keeper photo. Would help alot to be from Brisbane north to get the elevation you need. Come on folks. It won't be around long. I have the gear and experience but I believe i am too far south.

[doppler]

Our best chance to see it in AU will be next week when it appears in the western sky at sunset, just below Mars. It will only be 5 deg above the horizon as it gets dark, so a good view to the western horizon will be needed.
The best evenings look to be 22/23 and 24th of September. The tail should be point straight up on the 23rd so that might still be visible after the head has set.
I have my location picked and the weather is looking clear up here in Mackay.

https://theconversation.com/are-we-about-to-see-a-rare-green-comet-light-up-the-sky-an-expert-on-what-to-expect-from-nishimura-213464

Rick

[OzEclipse]

Tried last night with 9x63mm binos.

Between 0800UT (sunset) and 0845UT.

Could not pick up anything. Trying again tonight.

Joe

[OzEclipse]

Tried again last night, Friday 22 September.

Head not visible in 9x63 binoculars at 6:55 pm.

Managed to just pick up the nucleus 1.5 deg off the horizon in photo taken at 6:56pm (1st attachment)

At 7:04pm, with the nucleus set, sky background drifted into nautical twilight(Sun -13 deg) but I still could not pick up the tail in the background.

I don't think the slightly better position tonight will improve the visibility very much.

[Tinderboxsky]

Great result, Joe.

I am keen to try with a clear sky coming tomorrow evening. Alas, I am far too far south with a much longer twilight to contend with. Shall just enjoy the experience.

[Bortle6]

I'm going to have a crack tonight (Newcastle) with 10 x 50 binos. Have a clear elevated view to horizon.

Edit: Follow up - no comet sighted. Had Spica and Mars by 1820 local time, had surrounding stars (to Spica then Mars) by 1840 but nothing close enough to horizon due to light before comet set at 1854. More research to come.

[Rob_K]

I’ve managed to image it the last two nights but it’s a very difficult get. Not visible visually and I’ve just pointed the camera at what I hoped was the approximate location. Last night (23rd) I fluked a faint trace of the tail

[RobF]

Top stuff Joe and Rob - thanks for sharing!

[dennisjames1]

Nice work on the shot, had a couple of goes myself never found it and at Mag 6 now wishful thinking to catch it in Binos at sunset.

[astronobob]

Cool posts and good work on them images Joe & Rob-K.
It seems it travelled a fair way behind the sun and away from us for decent views but good to see how it went ,,,
cheers

[OzEclipse]

Thanks Dennis and Bob.

Great stuff getting that tail Rob. I was at a retirement & birthday party that night, was having a good time and decided to stay at the party to the evening.

Joe

[Rob_K]

Thanks guys! I managed to image the comet in evening skies until 28 September (montage of my best shots each night is attached) and now it's in morning skies for us. Still a very difficult target as it has faded off considerably.

I've imaged it (roughly!!!) the last two mornings and this morning's effort is attached. Not much to see after the show it put on in dark skies in the NHem!

Cheers -