Comet McNaught (2006/P1) - discussions - Page 17

okiscopey (Mike) · #**321** 16-01-2007, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ving

WOW!!!
was it my imagination or was it brighter and the tail longer tonight? what a brilliant sight!

Yep, looked brighter to me too. Used same binoculars as last night at same N. Bondi site (but different locals wanting a look) and similar sea haze and occasional thin clouds ... but definitely brighter, even allowing for slightly darker sky.

Only had these Andrews bins for a week... 11x70 and 20x90 (not triplets or anything) but they're absolutely excellent - especially the x11 as they're so easy to hand-hold. Now I can see why the cogniscenti around here recommend binoculars to newcomers.

Funny thing though - I noticed that I could see more of McNaught's tail if I panned it back and forth through the field of the 11x70s. (i.e when the image was moving rather than stationary) Is this a known effect, or am I just imagining it?

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #**322** 16-01-2007, 10:15 PM

Clouds in the morning, clouds in the evening. It's amazing how one cloud can stay in the one spot for an hour or more, right on top of the comet, when all the others are moving.

MortonH · #**323** 16-01-2007, 10:29 PM

Hey okiscopey, didn't have a chance to see it tonight.

Seeing more detail when the object moves is a known effect. I've read that if you're looking for something really faint then a little bit of movement can help it 'jump out' from the background. For example, if you were reasonably sure that a faint galaxy was in your field of view but you couldn't quite see it, you can deliberately tap the telescope to make it shake for a couple of seconds.

Morton

Lee · #**324** 16-01-2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okiscopey

Yep, looked brighter to me too. Used same binoculars as last night at same N. Bondi site (but different locals wanting a look) and similar sea haze and occasional thin clouds ... but definitely brighter, even allowing for slightly darker sky.

Only had these Andrews bins for a week... 11x70 and 20x90 (not triplets or anything) but they're absolutely excellent - especially the x11 as they're so easy to hand-hold. Now I can see why the cogniscenti around here recommend binoculars to newcomers.

Funny thing though - I noticed that I could see more of McNaught's tail if I panned it back and forth through the field of the 11x70s. (i.e when the image was moving rather than stationary) Is this a known effect, or am I just imagining it?

I took my Andrews 20x80's up the hill tonight, on my tripod they were great, allowed me to show the thing to other punters....

fringe_dweller · #**325** 16-01-2007, 10:54 PM

(evening 16th jan) just saw one of the most spectacular things i have ever seen a comet do

p1 was VERY obvious naked eye object 10 minutes before sunset tonight sun was below clouds eventually tho, thin .25 degree slightly curved tail on a bright venus(EDIT: when venus is in similar location to sun)/(small) star!! second (another EDIT: it caught me eye even before I sarted looking for the comet!!!) then things just got better!! at 9 pm roughyl, the brightess jumped considerably, with the sun just 5 or so d below horizon, the tail just grew and grew and brightened before my eyes!! before it hit low horizon cloud not long after, it had reached at least 2.5 to 3 degrees of a broad bright simitar/sword type tail, with head incredibly bright - still brighter than Venus for sure, omg we are in the presence of GREATNESS!! shots to follow - there is no way this thing is fading, all will be *revealed* soon enough

acropolite (Phil) · #**326** 16-01-2007, 10:57 PM

Sounds great Kearn, unfortunately tonight we were smoked out, deliberately lit fires again here in Tas, maybe tomorrow night....

fringe_dweller · #**327** 16-01-2007, 11:02 PM

Phil, the things i would like seen done to people that deliberabetly light fires in australia arent fit for family viewing, we have had a similar thing here recently and have very bad smoke hazes for a while too - i dont think there is much that upsets me more than firebugs here - wish i could swear

fringe_dweller · #**328** 16-01-2007, 11:15 PM

frankly i think this weekend the general public will be having a BIG rethink about there opinion of p1 and be eating their words - providing they have clear and decent skies - this is gonna be the biggest thing HB and b1 no probs - maybe bigger!!

and if the nucleaus disprupts OMG its gonna be doomsday - i remember wm1 took two weeks from perihilion before it had an episode of the vents

MrB (Simon) · #**329** 16-01-2007, 11:37 PM

Absolutelly brilliant!
Nice 'n' bright and a great fanning schimitar tail, 2 maybe 3 degree's long?

100+ cars down at the beach carpark tonight, and I don't think any of them would have left dissappointed.

There was a degree or two of smoky haze sitting right on the horizon which didn't realy disrupt views untill 9pm-ish.

It's gonna be a great couple of days to come.

WadeH (Wade) · #**330** 16-01-2007, 11:55 PM

Great isnt it!!

Just got in after our third terrific day and night of observing this wonder. Is it my imagination or is the tail still expanding? I would swear that its longer than last night.
Tonight had a look through the 8" with 25mm lens, still think that the best views are with the 10X50's. Taken lots of 200mm SLR shots and tonight tried some prime focus through the scope. Film unfortunatly, so wont know the outcome for a day or two. Never done prime focus before so who knows? Lots to juggle and fit into 30 minutes. Tomorrow is another night.

Blue Skies (Jacquie) · #**331** 16-01-2007, 11:55 PM

I agree, it was just gorgeous! I haven't seen a comet that pretty in a long time. It makes up for the last couple of nights dodging cloud! The tail was easier to see naked eye than in the binos (but I've had that experience before too).

I was up at the John Forrest National Park lookout on the scarp and I estimate about 90 people turned up there, and it's not a big space! But everyone was excited and I don't think anyone went away disappointed. We only left after about 9.10pm when it dropped down into the smoke layer. I wish I'd taken my old SLR camera along now...

erick (Eric) · #**332** 17-01-2007, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erick

The outcome of my evening is a photograph I can show my grandchildren and say "I promise that behind that bushfire smoke is a spectacular naked-eye daylight comet - honest!"

There's always tomorrow, I hope.

Dear future grandchildren. I'm sorry about the bushfire smoke obscuring the comet in my photo from Monday night. I'm pleased to say that bushfire smoke was much reduced on Tuesday night. "In this photograph I promise that behind that thick bank of cloud is a spectacular naked-eye daylight comet - honest!"

mickjfawcett (MICK) · #**333** 17-01-2007, 09:12 AM

well after 2 frustrating nights i finally got 25mins viewing of the mcnaught comet, and how great it was

set up at 7.30 looking over seven mile beach at gerroa (south coast nsw) had a clear view to the horizon between the hills towards nowra, sun sets at 8pm and nothing. 8.15 venus comes into light and still no comet

, 8.25pm and im thinking i missed it through the smoke haze and low level cloud.

just about to go home and bang there she was

had uninterupted views for a solid 25mins. great view through the binoculars, will take the 11" out tonight to see what view i get with that, but what a fantastic experience

found it very strange that i couldnt see it until 25-30mins after sunset, this doesnt seem usual? also interesting to note that my version of starry night pro 5 has the comet setting 30mins earlier that reality, has anyone else noted this?

bringing the family and the big gun out tonight so lets hope the skies are clear

Grinz · #**334** 17-01-2007, 10:32 AM

These reports are awesome, thanks all.

After a vigil of 2 hours at the beach, all I had for tonight's viewing was a collection of pictures of a cloudy sunset.

Can't wait to see it again and I am so encouraged by those of you saying it seems NOT to be dimming.... Yippeeee. Wait for me McNaught, one short glimpse on Sunday was just enough to whet my appetite for this awesome spectacle of nature!

Who has looked for - and found it - early in the morning? I've been unsuccessful thus far; sun too bright and yes.... too many clouds as well.

erick (Eric) · #**335** 17-01-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grinz

....Who has looked for - and found it - early in the morning? I've been unsuccessful thus far; sun too bright and yes.... too many clouds as well.

I've already found the right spot (very close to home - great!). I'm going to give it another couple of days - hopefully Friday morning, weather permitting.

iceman (Mike) · #**336** 17-01-2007, 12:32 PM

I'll be out again tonight, hoping for a longer tail!

okiscopey (Mike) · #**337** 17-01-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MortonH

Seeing more detail when the object moves is a known effect.

Well, I think I've heard of this before, but only for faint light objects on dark backgrounds, not a light background. Anyway, whatever helps!

okiscopey (Mike) · #**338** 17-01-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

I'll be out again tonight, hoping for a longer tail!

I'm hoping for longer arms so I can read the newspaper again. These new glasses .. sheesh!

tornado33 · #**339** 17-01-2007, 04:23 PM

It is now fading, looked definately fainter when I viewed it through my 10 inch telescope in the daytime today.
Scott

ving (David) · #**340** 17-01-2007, 04:39 PM

gee i want to drag the family up this arvo if its still bright... hope it hasnt faded too much