The Great Christmas Comet of 2011, 2011 W3 (Lovejoy) |
The Great Christmas Comet of 2011, 2011 W3 (Lovejoy) |
Guest_Sunspot_* |
Dec 2 2011, 09:59 PM
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Guests |
http://sungrazer.nrl.navy.mil/index.php?p=.../birthday_comet
Possible very bright sungrazing comet coming mid December - Comet Lovejoy C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy) Information in the link above. |
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Dec 29 2011, 11:02 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 723 Joined: 13-June 04 Member No.: 82 |
Comet-ml post #19142 by Andrew Pearce
QUOTE Hi All
The tail surface brightness is decreasing every day and as Rob mentioned, whilst it is visible with direct vision it is not easy. With averted vision however it is quite distinct. On Dec 29.73UT I measured the tail length as 32.0 degrees. It now extends almost to Alpha Crucis and can be faintly seen crossing the southern edge of the Coalsack nebula. It would be difficult to observe a longer tail than that visually as the line of the tail past Alpha Crucis extends into an area of the Milky Way which is very bright and the tail would be difficult to discern in this area and that will probably be the case over the next few mornings. The last 10 degrees or so of the tail is quite vague and ill defined in comparison to the first 20 degrees which is still quite narrow and very straight. I'm leaving the dark country skies today so this will be my last observation but it's been a fascinating last week! Regards Andrew Pearce |
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