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Brightest Comet In Decades Now Visible

Posted by kdawson on from the dust-off-the-binoculars dept.

mlimber writes "Comet McNaught (C/2006 P1), the brightest comet in decades, is currently visible to the naked eye in the early evening and early morning sky for the northern hemisphere. The northern latitudes have the best view, but it can be seen even in the southern hemisphere during the day with the right equipment. Another image is available as NASA's astronomy picture of the day." Here is a graphic of the comet's evening location from 40 degrees north latitude.

4 of 35 comments (clear)

  1. Mmm by SuperStretchy · · Score: 2, Informative

    MMmm another good date night! Its nice and crisp outside too.

  2. Civil twilight by lpangelrob · · Score: 2, Informative

    Chicago is at 41 degrees north, and civil twilight lasts from 6:11 AM to 6:46 AM, and 5:08 PM to 5:43 PM CST, if I read it right.

    Since I can only see it in the morning, where will the comet be in the morning?

    --
    -Rob

    Biblical fiscal responsibility

    1. Re:Civil twilight by Mard · · Score: 2, Informative

      Here you are, the morning skymap: http://spaceweather.com/images2007/08jan07/skymap_ north_m.gif

      --
      DRM = Digitally Restricted Media. This is a viral sig, pass it on.
  3. i'm a karma whore... so what? by east+coast · · Score: 4, Informative

    A better article that gives some easy to access maps and a bit more technical information.

    BTW: Does anyone know if there are future prospects for this comet? Everything seems to point at January 15th being the end of it's visibility.

    --
    Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.