A new comet - Page 4

davidpretorius · #61 28-02-2006, 03:36 PM

ok, to a comet newbie, past the closest approach to the sun????

cometcatcher (Kevin) · #62 28-02-2006, 04:55 PM

Comets often have a very eliptical orbit. The outer part of the orbit is often past Pluto. The inner part of the orbit can be very close to the sun. Perihelion was the 22nd so it's heading back out to the outer solar system now. However due to orbital positions it's actually getting closer to Earth - on it's way out.

Forgot to mention that their orbit is not always in the equatorial plane either. It can be highly inclined kinda like a polar orbit. There's probably a name for it that I can't think of atm.

The comets that are seen near the N and S celestial poles have that highly inclined orbit.

Lester · #63 02-03-2006, 08:19 AM

Hi comet lovers,

Here is a few shots taken this morning in reasonably warm conditions (heading for a hot one today). Comet was about 13 degrees below Venus.

Wide angle shot taken with 50mm @ f4 90 seconds
shot with 200mm @ f6.3 240 seconds
14" LX200 PF =f10 54 seconds
There was some strange reflections in the 50mm shot, I think due to the UHC filter that I tried. I think the UHC filter helped to condense the star images.

davidpretorius · #64 02-03-2006, 08:30 AM

i wish i could see the pics

Lester · #65 02-03-2006, 12:15 PM

Sorry David,

It took me some time to scale down the pics. I am getting faster though

acropolite (Phil) · #66 02-03-2006, 12:41 PM

I set the alarm for 4:50AM in an attempt to catch the beastie. No real need though as HRH Liz was awake at 4 waiting for the alarm to go off. Jupiter was the best I have seen at this hour of the morning, I think I may become an early morning convert. The comet was easily visible in the LX (8 inch) as a fuzzy blob just over the horizon and as time wore on a slight hint of a tail became apparent, although at first I wasn't sure that it wasn't imaginary. Unfortunately this is as good as I will probably see it without venturing away from the city as light pollution is bad from my viewing location to the east.

iceman (Mike) · #67 02-03-2006, 12:45 PM

I still haven't seen the comet, and I think we're running out of time as it heads further north.

Phil, early mornings are the best! The transparency and seeing is (usually) better than at any other time of the day.

h0ughy (David) · #68 02-03-2006, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

I still haven't seen the comet, and I think we're running out of time as it heads further north.

Phil, early mornings are the best! The transparency and seeing is (usually) better than at any other time of the day.

Do they make clouds transparent Mike? I think by the time the weather suits us it will be gone

davidpretorius · #69 02-03-2006, 01:05 PM

great ones again lester!!!

ving (David) · #70 02-03-2006, 04:26 PM

great pisc lester

cometcatcher (Kevin) · #71 02-03-2006, 04:53 PM

Yep, I like the pics Lester.

fringe_dweller · #72 02-03-2006, 08:27 PM

Nicely done, Lester

with minimal processing too? 3rd ones my fave - again around the 3 degree tail I am guessing in that shot.
Nice to see another south aussie comet chaser on the scene!

I agree Mike, mornings are absolutely magical (and highly addictive) for all types of sky viewing :-)))

Phil, the tail wasnt overly bright anyway - very wispy straight tail