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kinetic
21-02-2009, 07:52 AM
Hi all,

Comet Lulin (C2007/N3) will be at it's best visually in the next
few weeks, so don't miss it!

Here is a heads up on what to expect and a link to a star
chart for Feb/ March.

The comet is racing along now...quite an obvious motion in
my 12" at medium and high power.

http://www.visualastronomy.com/2009/01/comet-lulin.html

quoting part of this article:

"Comet Lulin's closest approach will be on February 24th, 2009 at a distance of about 61 million kilometers. By now, Comet Lulin is predicted to be 5th magnitude, which means it could be visible to the naked eye in rural locations. The most interesting thing about closest approach, however, is the comet's ridiculously high apparent velocity. Comet Lulin will be speeding along at more than 5° per day! This means that in a telescope or binoculars, one will actually be able to see the comet's apparent motion against the background stars! This effect is a must-see, and does not present itself often."

unquote.

Here is the chart:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/35992534.html
http://media.skyandtelescope.com/documents/Comet_Lulin_Feb13.pdf

Steve

andrew2008
21-02-2009, 08:44 AM
First chance i get when things clear up here i'll be out to look. Unfortunately it looks like we have showers hanging around until wednesday in Brisbane.

renormalised
21-02-2009, 10:13 AM
Well if it stays clear I'll have a look:)

JohnG
21-02-2009, 11:02 AM
It was a clear and unmistakeable naked eye object last night here at Cootamundra, unfortunately the one and only cloud in the sky decided to park itself over the comet when I wanted to image it :doh:.

Ah well, there is always tonight.......

Cheers

Kevnool
21-02-2009, 11:42 AM
Naked eye out in Broken Hill also..........Cheers Kev.

Liz
21-02-2009, 03:15 PM
You've got Buckleys chance now (apart from maybe tonight) with rain predicted for the next week!!! :sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes:

spacezebra
21-02-2009, 03:57 PM
Hi all

I had a look at the comet last night through Binos. Not too clear from Albury - but heading out to a dark sky site tonight for better views.

Cheers Petra d.

renormalised
21-02-2009, 04:55 PM
Might be more than rain too...checkout the latest MSLP map from BOM.

Analog6
22-02-2009, 06:54 AM
Petra, I am trying to explain to a guy from Albury where to look in the sky and at what time (on my LightArt photo forum). Can you, or anyone, give me a pointer, it's awfully hard to do from up here on the north coast.