Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Mar 7, 2013 12:28:53 GMT -6
Chicago Astronomers on Comet Watch
2013
2013
Will 2013 be a great year for comets?
That's to be seen, as a saying is that comets are like cats - "They both have tails do what they want".
Comets are notorious is unpredictable behavior, as they can flare up, outgas, spinter and become a spectacular celestial event to enjoy - sometimes spanning the more than 45 degrees in a beautiful display of tail and coma....or it can be a dud.
The Chicago Astronomer crew will be tracking and observing the incoming comets, including" Pan-STARRS C/2011 L4 in March , ISON 2012 S1 in November and even the fainter Lemmon C/2012 F6 in May...
Here is a great double comet in the sky shot from New Zealand...
Comets Lemmon at the top with a great greenish glow and Pan-STARRS near the bottom.
Both are heading up toward the northern latitudes as you read this in early March 2013.
But note:
Do not buy into the "Brighter than the Moon" - "Comet of the Century" hoopla media sensationalism and from some Astronomers.
They will certainly be nice visiting Oort cloud visitors into our Solar System and well worth the focus of attention for our Chicago Astronomer Star Party fans and visitors....but no, no comet of the century here folks.
Follow along with each comet on the dedicated comet boards here at the Chicago Astronomer for updates, charts and data in observing these comets from the city.
