It’s not getting the press Hale-Bopp did ten years ago but Comet McNaught could be pretty spectacular. From an e-mail I got from Spaceweather.com:
Comet McNaught has continued to brighten as it approaches the sun and it is now the brightest comet in 30 years. For observers in the northern Hemisphere, tonight is probably the best time to see it: Go outside this evening and face the sunset. A clear view of the western horizon is essential, because the comet hangs very low. As the twilight fades to black, it should become visible to the naked eye. Observers say it's a fantastic sight through binoculars.It should be clear enough here this evening to see something. The sun sets at 4:53 today.
In the days ahead, Comet McNaught will pass the sun and emerge in good position for southern hemisphere viewing later this month. Meanwhile, solar heating will continue to puff up the comet, causing it to brighten even more. It could become one of the brightest comets in centuries, visible even in daylit skies.
McNaught photo gallery here.
1 comment:
I should scan some of those Hale-Bopp photos.
I have several really nice comet photos, some right outside your residence.
Man that was a sweet comet, it beat all the others I saw before it - none of which were all that great.
JP
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