Comet McNaught (2006 P1) is now expected to become a very nice comet for observers in the Southern hemisphere in the second half of January. People in high latitudes are favoured for this, so South Island of NZ and Tasmania have front row seats. Positions for the comet are provided here:
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/Ephem.../2006P1_1.html
The brightness of the comet (m1) given in the link above is way too conservative. For instance it gives m1 = 8.1 for December 29, but actual observations indicated m1 = 3.9, so it is currently running 4 magnitudes ahead of the predictions! Here is an image that was made just this morning deep in twilight (from the northern hemisphere).
http://kometen.fg-vds.de/pix/2006P1/2006P1_30122006.htm
The comet should first come visible very low in the SW evening twlight sky around January 18th, although experienced observers may get it as early as January 13th depending on the actual brightness. During these times it will be only visible low in twilight and a clear unobstructed western sky is essential. Good sky transparency will also help greatly as the comet will hover just above the horizon. It is also hoped a bright tail may stretch up into the evening sky.
Fingers crossed this could be the best comet for the southern hemisphere in nearly 11 years!
Terry
[edit by iceman]
Post discussions about the comet in this thread. Use the threads below for images and maps/charts.
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Post your Images and Pictures here
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Maps, charts, where/how to find here