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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

ISON: Dud of the Century

Early in 2013, I was made aware of two potentially bright comets that could put on a pretty decent display in our skies. First was Comet Pan-STARRS. Anticipation was high for this early spring comet, but it was a dim below average target...not even crossing the threshold of public viewing status. Nice for those of us who are Astronomers, but for the general causal person....nope.

Then, the media and Astro community got all hot and bothered about ISON. "As bright as the Moon!"...many kept repeating and reposting on the web. I was skeptical from the start and did not buy into it at all. I certainly was hoping for a good showing....but this one just wasn't gonna do it I felt...

But the mad hype continued and Astro Magazines were fanning the comet flames to a frenzy. Apps were created....and I must say that I did download two ISON apps with beautiful graphics to whet the appetite.

Early November provided Chicago Astronomers with the opportunity to observe this comet first hand in urban telescopes......and what we saw was quite disappointing. Indeed a comet, but not the "Comet of the Century!"...

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Observations&action=display&thread=4537

It was not to be.

Now, I'm all for public awareness and education about astronomical phenomenon, but the hard-on hype that the astro community gave this ice cube was embarrassing...making all of us look like dorky geeks and chumps. By far.....Comet Lovejoy was the far better Comet to hype...but no press for that visitor.

It wasn't all bad...."comet scopes" will now go on discounted sale and some will get equipment for cheap....

[kenplecki]

Joe,

I think the hype was somewhat confined and fanned by the those of us in the astro community. I don't think it was an embarrassment in regards to public perception of astronomers.

When discovered, it was stated that the conditions were right for a bright comet after perihelion. So naturally, every amateur astronomer hoped for the best and hyped it up. Simply having the possibility was better news then any of the other comets that would not be able to compete if those conditions were met, even though they may have been great on their own accord.

But what I take away from ISON is that we still cannot predict everything in science. We are observers and hypothesizers. And while our best guess may not always be right, the science is still cool. I bet there are kids out there right now who are fascinated by the idea that a comet got destroyed by the Sun, and we have pictures to show it. ISON should still be revered in the astro community for what it is , not what it isn't. I think the real disappointment is how much we wanted it to be a great LOOKING comet, when in reality it was still an awesome event that had me, and alot of other people, thinking about astronomy more then turkey on Thanksgiving, and that's pretty cool.