Re: 73P/Schwassman

Hi George,

George Normandin wrote:
"Greg Crinklaw" <> wrote
...

........
Component C has actually been seen naked eye now, and for a comet that's the big time. It's at least 7th mag now, if not brighter. But again, one must have a dark sky and wait for it to get off the horizon in order to get a good view........


Greg,

I was again observing with a group last night (Friday 4/28). While I did not try, two of my friends said that they could see 'C' naked eye. My guess was that it was about 6th mag.

Could be. This comet has really thrown off the people who make magnitude estimates. All comets will appear larger and brighter in the smallest instrument. So when a comet crosses from binocular to naked eye visibility it isn't unusual for observations to take a jump toward brighter magnitudes. But for some reason this one seems to have a stronger than usual effect. Maybe it's just the length of time it has spent lingering near the naked-eye limit. Regardless, it is a naked eye object now for those with good vision, a dark site, the patience to wait for the comet to get high above the horizon, and experience seeing faint objects.

http://www.skyhound.com/sh/73P.html for the latest.

Clear skies,
Greg

--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)

SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html

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