Heads-up: comet & cluster

[Rob_K]

In early evening tonight, bright comet C/2009 P1 Garradd (in the mag 7s) will be just 36 arcminutes away from globular cluster M71 (mag 8.2), and they'll be easily viewable together in a low power field (say, 50x). It will close in on the cluster as the night progresses. By the time the comet sets just before 3am, it will be about 18 arcseconds from the cluster.

Tomorrow in early evening Garradd will have passed the cluster and be 26 arcminutes away from it, moving away.

Position tonight at 8pm EST (UT+10) will be RA 19:56:08.5, Dec 18:51:39 (J2000).
Tomorrow night at 8pm the position will be RA 19:52:02.2, Dec 18:59:58.5

Cheers -

[gregbradley]

Thanks for the tip Rob.

I noticed it was close to M71 the other night.

Greg.

[Rob_K]

Cheers Greg - good luck!

Wow, what a stunning view at 43x in my little scope! The cluster, fairly large & moderately condensed, with the bright comet half a field away and the faint wide tail streaming off it! Beautiful dark sky - I hope they're all looking at BSG.

Pic will follow (nothing like Greg's, LOL)...

Cheers -

[Rob_K]

Usual rough-'n-ready! :P Actual pixel crop from L image size. Comet and cluster at right, with bright star Gamma Sagittae, and M27 Dumbbell Nebula at left. Canon 400D, 55mm, 5x150 sec, ISO 1600, F/5.6.

Cheers -

[pvelez]

Thanks Rob

I'm doing a few test shots in anticipation of tomorrow evening

Pete

[gregbradley]

It is quite a beautiful scene. The comet is not quite as bright as it was the other night though.

What's BSG?

Greg.

[Rob_K]

Sorry Greg, Border Stargaze, run by the Astronomical Society of Albury-Wodonga. Should be a brilliant night for observing tonight. Hope it's the same tomorrow night, when I'm there. :D

Cheers -

[gregbradley]

Thanks Rob.

Have a good time.

Greg.