Comet McNaught (2006/P1) - discussions

[ving (David)]

i just tried that zander and had no love at all... anyone else seen it nakid eye today?

[gregl456]

Originally Posted by erick

Yes, I very hesitantly set up on a tripod and carefully scanned near the sun. Still couldn't avoid picking up glare. Had a few bright purple dots in my vision for the next 15 minutes.

Probably should have posted this a few days ago, but if you are in this game you shouldn't do anything near the sun without at least a pair of $6 solar sunnies during setup - and that's for your eyes, not your hardware, which also doesn't react well to direct solar exposure

[McComet]

I've been extremely interested in viewing Comet McNaught namely because that's my surname and my father's name is Robert!!!
Needless to say everyone at work suspects I have a tail now I'm in Toowoomba Qld and have been looking for the comet while I'm powerwalking at dusk but cloud cover has prevented me from viewing the 'family' comet.

Was glad to hear that we of the Southern hemisphere might be able to see the comet better in the later half of January. There's still hope

I've always been a bit of a star gazer and want to learn more about astronomy. Would appreciate any suggestions on books to read etc.
Well, here's to seeing the comet myself. What an experience that will be!

Have a great day!

McComet

[neB]

<rant>
Clouds - grrrr.

No rain - double grrrr.

Either fill my dam up or bugger off so I can see the comet. </rant>

[iceman (Mike)]

McComet, funny story

I've always been a bit of a star gazer and want to learn more about astronomy. Would appreciate any suggestions on books to read etc.

Probably a good idea to start a new thread regarding this, rather than have replies in this thread. Best to keep this on-topic.

Start a new thread in the Beginners Forum, or do a search because there's been a few in the same situation as you!

Thanks! and welcome to IIS!

[Ric]

Hi Neb, I had the same as well with a smoke haze, couldn't see a thing .
Could be better this evening though, it seems to be clearing

Hope everyone else is having better luck.

Cheers

[ving (David)]

just had another squiz... i might have seen it or might not... its hard to say. i was looking SWish of teh sun and about 4 fingers out (skinny fingers )

[Zander]

i had another look also, couldn't see it
there is so much stuff in the air that lights up as it reflects the sun's light. gets me everytime, then i see it drift pass and my hopes fade
meh, hopefully it will be good viewing tonight, weather is good rigth now, only 1 tiny cloud in the sky

[dcnicholls]

Just did a quick check in Starry Night. For Canberra the comet is nearly 7 degrees higher in the sky than the Sun, and directly above it, at 3.36 pm today. For Sydney it's at 3.20pm.

DN

[erick (Eric)]

No joy naked-eye viewing in Melbourne, for me. Cloud has cleared but still bushfire smoke. However, not really bad directly overhead where ol' Sol is at present - but that may be wishful thinking.

Tried for 20 minutes - cannot spot it. Guess who forgot to bring his binoculars into work today - Duh!!

But we make the final go/nogo decision at 4pm - a group from work with help from Google Earth have decided where to setup from 8pm this evening. I know I won't see it again if I sit in my lounge room so I'm going.

[fringe_dweller]

Hey Ving, its too the east of the sun today mate, and dont worry, contrary to the impression some observers have given in various reports, this is a TEENY WEENY object, and definately not a BLINDINGLY obvious thing to start with, sunset is a better time to look now. Wonder how many cataracts have been commenced with all these daylight comet excitement? LOL
I have had a lot of trouble with floaties and spots ect. during these daylight obs, not to mention a never ending stream of dandelions floating high above, seen a lot of 'Dandelion comets' frankly i have had enough of this daytime comet crap - I'm more of a nighttime astronomer I have realised - sick of sweating on my optics
cheers
ps last night (i couldnt go out sadly) was the first night that p1 was seen in evening twilight here - we went out friday and sat to nice western views, clouds were a slight nuisance, but should of still seen it, and it couldnt be seen despite best efforts, large binocs ect. last night was easily seen naked eye but 10 d higher -4 venus couldnt be at same time, thats a considerable brightening eh! that makes it an easy 5-6 mag eh

[ving (David)]

lol fringey!

maybe i should head out yet again

[lepton3 (Ivan)]

It is indeed visible naked eye from Adelaide.

Can only reinforce the earlier comments about care when observing near the sun. Make sure you are shaded by a permanent object and that you won't accidently slip into the sun.

Having said that, you need to set up in a lawn chair in the shadow of the SE corner of a building. The comet is about 6 degr south and 2 degr east of the sun. You should see it in fairly easily in 12x50 binoculars. If you are lucky enough to have clear skies (no haze/smoke), you should be able to see it naked eye once you know where to look from the binos.

Some observations: not as bright as yesterday, but the tail really does look longer. Looking good for twilight tonight.

Ivan

[fringe_dweller]

Yeah i saw it, still not overwelmingly impressed tho, altho it is technically/historically overwhelming of course, and extremely interesting, btw I think this is my 13th naked eye comet

Good luck Ving, hope ya catch it! its about 6 and a half degrees from suns limb forgot to say!

[fringe_dweller]

must admit getting I am not my usual pasty white astronomer self anymore, getting i nice hollywood tan hate the sun

[ving (David)]

actually kearn, i might have been looking east... with out my compass i am stuffed

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Originally Posted by neB

<rant>
Clouds - grrrr.

No rain - double grrrr.

Either fill my dam up or bugger off so I can see the comet. </rant>

I know what you mean!!!! Haven't we been punished enough.




If you live somewhere with clear skies make the most of it, I really envy you, but at least there will be a few who will get to see it.

[ving (David)]

gunna go work on my tan.... brb

[fringe_dweller]

hehe its kinda slightly south of east - i had to get my compass out today too David I need my constellations to know where i am normally, its a different world in the daytime for us vampires, lead suits are damn heavy

[ving (David)]

WOAH!!!

ok i got it nakid eye!
the tail is fairly long hey!!!

while an unimpressive sight i am super impressed that i could see it!