Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Aug 30, 2004 3:14:34 GMT -6
C'mon Machholtz...You can do it!!
Two newer comets have been recently discovered. One is rather faint and not expected to put on a good show for us Earthlings, but the other may get bright enough for naked eye observation.
Comet Machholz, discovered visually in a 10-inch reflector on August 27, is the 10th comet discovered by Don Machholz of California. According to the preliminary orbit, this comet will brighten dramatically and may be visible to the naked eye after Christmas!
The other is Comet Tucker. 2004 Q1 (Tucker) is a 12th magnitude object in Cetus with a 25" coma that should be visible in an 8-inch telescope. Moonlight will interfere until the 5th or so. Comet Tucker was discovered on CCD images by Roy A. Tucker of Tucson Arizona on August 23. This comet should brighten until around November 1, when it should be brighter than 11 magnitude and be in Andromeda. Throughout this time it will be well placed for evening observation from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
More on Machholz as details are firmer and more definite. On the topic of comets...I remember the great Hale-bopp and Hyakatuke Comets. Plainly visible in inner city Chicago skies...the best I have ever observed.
More please.