[X] My Assistant

[SigurRosFan]

Graham Palmer (New Zealand), Jan 18, 10:36 UT:


And also ...

Kevin Crause (Mossel Bay, South Africa), Jan 17:

[abalone]

Saw it for the first time in Palmerston, New zealand on Thursaday 18th while on holidays there for 2 weeks. The land of the long white cloud is exactly that and we didnt get too many chances.
Got home on Thursday and drove to the top of Mt Saddleback about 10km west of where I live that night. Great view but a bit hazy, but last night was the best. The naked eye view was as good as the photo above, it was a particularly clear evening last night on the 20th. From the time it became visible in the sunset glare until most of it set was about 11/2 hours. Stood there in awe. Some members of the local Astronomical Soc. had telescopes set up and I was able to look at it through a wide field scope as well as an 8 inch Newtonian, through that, jets in the nucleus were clearly visible.
Crescent Moon was one day old and setting between McNaught and Venus. Truely a once in a lifetime experience, but alas all good things must end and weather predictions for the next few days are for a cloudy change and the moon will become brighter. I dont think I will get another chance.
Here is another of McNaughts own pictures and this is exactly what the naked eye view was last night

Attached thumbnail(s)

 

[jamescanvin]

Too much light here in Sydney to see the faint stuff. I just wish I had the chance to get out of the city. Still, can't complain it's still totally awesome!

Here's my best shot, we could see a little more with the naked eye.

Crescent Moon was one day old and setting between McNaught and Venus. Truely a once in a lifetime experience,

Indeed. This was my view of it:



McNaught on the left, Venus on the right and the moon just above the city.

(Click each images for full size version (~400kb))

James