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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Comet LINEAR C/7 makes a Quick appearance

Starting now, Comet LINEAR is becoming visible in the southwestern Chicago skies. Not a bright comet as it heads out of our solar system, but should be a good astronomical target to find. Look for it at sunset.

Below is a chart to locate it:

It should make a nice binocular object. Look for a dim fuzzy patch that changes position from night to night.

I know I'll try to spot it!

Joe
[glow=blue,2,300]Chicago Astronomer[/glow]

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Star Chart for Comet LINEAR

It won't be quite as easy to view Comet LINEAR as it was for Comet NEAR, but it is worth the effort to try and spot it. Unfortunately, the Comet will remain in the Chicago light polluted muck near the horizon.

Below is a star chart to help locate the rather dim comet.

Coutesy of McDonald Observatory

The comet will peek into the evening sky in late May. Look for it beginning the last few days of May, standing well to the left of the bright star Procyon in the west. Early predictions said the comet might grow almost as bright as Procyon. Like NEAT, however, it has not performed as anticipated, so it should remain a good bit fainter than the star.

LINEAR will stand highest in the sky around June 8. Look for it just below Alphard, the star that marks the "heart" of Hydra, the water snake. The comet should be fainter than the star, with a short tail extending to the upper left. Binoculars will greatly enhance the view. LINEAR will fade quickly during June, and disappear in the glow of twilight before month's end.


Joe
[glow=blue,2,300]Chicago Astronomer[/glow]