Well, today was a Christmas to remember! After weeks of cloud, we set the alarm for 3:10am and woke to find clear skies. My wife, three boys and I all piled into the car and went down the road to find a clear view of the eastern horizon.... WOW!!!!! Comet Lovejoy is easily the LONGEST comet I have ever seen. Had the 80mm grab n go and could see a distinct open cluster next to the comet head - probably M7 but being low to horizon it was hard to get bearings. Tried imaging the head with the non-tracking 80mm but didn't save images (oopppsss - new to the camera still!!).
Not as bright as Comet Hyakutake for memory, but definitely A LOT bigger.
Comet Lovejoy - an appropriately named comet for Christmas 2011 and a wonderful sight!
