by bystander » Wed Jan 07, 2015 6:48 pm
Comet Lovejoy Glows Brightest During Mid-January
Sky & Telescope | 2015 Jan 06
Comet Lovejoy
(C/2014 Q2), already being tracked by backyard astronomers worldwide, is entering its best and brightest two weeks for viewing. From about January 7th through 24th the comet is predicted to be glowing at 4th magnitude — bright enough that skywatchers with clear, dark skies might be able to just glimpse it by eye, without optical aid. And the early-evening sky during this time will be dark and moonless, allowing the best views.
On January 7th, Comet Lovejoy passes closest by Earth at a distance of 44 million miles (70 million km), nearly half the distance from Earth to the Sun. But its distance will change only a little for many nights after that, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to track it down. ...
[url=http://www.skyandtelescope.com/press-releases/comet-lovejoy-january-2015/][size=120][b][i]Comet Lovejoy Glows Brightest During Mid-January[/i][/b][/size][/url]
Sky & Telescope | 2015 Jan 06
[quote]
[float=right][img3="[i]This chart shows the view looking southeast during mid-January at about 8 p.m. local time. Look to the upper right of the distinctive constellation Orion to locate Comet Lovejoy. Binoculars will help. - [b]Credit: Sky & Telescope[/b][/i]"]http://www.skyandtelescope.com/wp-content/uploads/Comet_Lovejoy_Jan2015_chart.jpg[/img3][/float]
Comet Lovejoy [i](C/2014 Q2)[/i], already being tracked by backyard astronomers worldwide, is entering its best and brightest two weeks for viewing. From about January 7th through 24th the comet is predicted to be glowing at 4th magnitude — bright enough that skywatchers with clear, dark skies might be able to just glimpse it by eye, without optical aid. And the early-evening sky during this time will be dark and moonless, allowing the best views.
On January 7th, Comet Lovejoy passes closest by Earth at a distance of 44 million miles (70 million km), nearly half the distance from Earth to the Sun. But its distance will change only a little for many nights after that, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to track it down. ... [/quote]