McNaught - The Book

[Rob_K]

The images of comet McNaught posted by IISers have been nothing short of astonishing, and they continue to roll in. The event itself has to be one of the more exciting in decades, and in the digital age it has captured the interest of the astronomical and wider communities like nothing for ages.

The web, where nearly all the interest is expressed, is such an ephemeral thing, and we’ll all soon get back to our nice planets, nebulae etc and wait for the next big thing. Ta ta McNaught, nice knowin’ ya, and thanks for the memories!

But what a fantastic opportunity there is to create something lasting from this spectacular solar system wanderer – "McNaught: THE BOOK". A place where the magnificent and artistic images captured by IISers throughout the country (and elsewhere in the world?) can be permanently enshrined and treasured.

Remember, these images are special. They’re not like say our Saturn shots or galaxy images that may be the best amateurs can do, but will always be poor cousins to Cassini or Hubble shots. These are the best. Earth, sky & comet – artistic interpretation. Can Hubble do that?

A fundraiser for IIS? Whadda ya reckon?

Cheers -

[matt]

Might not be a bad idea, John.

We could maybe have a "special events" link in Site Menu (at left) where these things are saved together for posterity?

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

How about
"McNaught the Mini-Series."
Following the trials, tribulations and anguish felt by the amateur astronomy community as they valiantly try to view and capture images of this seemingly illusive object.
Will they achieve their dreams? Or will they be left, sobbing in their observatories, never to see the most beautiful comet ever?
To be continued.....

[Rob_K]

Hey jjjnettie, buy the book! Must admit, I'm more in the mini-series boat - two quick sightings so far, high in sky between gaps in smoke (Mon) and cloud (Thurs). Will I ever see this celestial wonder in its full glory?

Cheers -

[iceman (Mike)]

I've been thinking about making a gallery (a proper one) for McNaught images, and other astronomical events as they occur (such as the Mercury transit, etc)

Not unlike the spaceweather.com gallery for big events.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Lump them all together, good idea. Saves a lot of searching through old posts to find the picture you wanted.

[Grinz]

jjjnettie - I like the mini series idea too. The baddie, McCloud (don't much like making McCloud the baddie since the maternal part of my family come from that clan - but all in the interest of art ) trying hiding the Treasure of McNaught from innocent victims. Love interest? Mmmm we all, but more specifically?? Venus!

Lots of action as people chase up mountains & to quiet beaches. Violence when an imaginary beaches/quiet mountain spot is filled with flood-lit rock band concerts, perhaps?
Some Men from UpNorth forced to turn a blind eye...

Quiet despair - definitely need McSomeone with good acting skills for that one - or simply choose anyone from IIS who still has not seen the comet. Conspiracies, as you already suggested!
A side story about a broken tripod.

Another side story about the first (hastily arranged!) wedding taking place on a beach with McNaught blazing in the background.

More violence as the official wedding photographer forgets about the bride & groom...

Intrigue as many people suddenly succumb to comet fever and start the Monday feeling strangely blue (I'm one of those!) and of course the side story about some se who see this as the Sign they were waiting for.

Something for everyone.

Sorry for being silly - I suppost that is the humour part


Seriously, a book on the comet is a good idea and I bet someone, somewhere, has already started writing it.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Wow, I like the idea of the wedding photo with the comet in the background.