Orpington Astronomical Society

Random Rambling Ruminations => Chat => Topic started by: doug on Dec 15, 2018, 23:04:08

Title: Comet 46P Wirtanen
Post by: doug on Dec 15, 2018, 23:04:08
Have just spotted comet 46P Wirtanen using Rose's Canon binoculars. Using the Pleades as the center of a clock, go to forty minutes past the hour and it's roughly there. 

Doug.
Title: Re: Comet Wirtanen
Post by: Roy on Dec 16, 2018, 09:36:12
We saw it on the night of the Gemonids meteor shower, Sue found the comet easily but it took me quite a while to spot it as it was larger and more diffuse than I had imaged based on the photographs on the Internet; so looking for a good clear night over the next week or so to try and image it. Also whilst looking for the comet I saw probably the best meteor I've ever seen, so along with a good view of M42 - it was quite a night.

Roy
Title: Re: Comet 46P Wirtanen
Post by: The Thing on Dec 16, 2018, 10:26:38
Good catch. I viewed the comet through my 80x20 binos while I was imaging it and it really is quite diffuse. Apparently the tail has been facing away from us but as the comet swings round the sun it may come into view.
Title: Re: Comet 46P Wirtanen
Post by: The Thing on Dec 16, 2018, 10:29:22
My bad, its already moving out so its show is over for this apparition.
Title: Re: Comet 46P Wirtanen
Post by: ApophisAstros on Dec 16, 2018, 21:19:44
just watching "Armaggedon" on tv , food for thought with all these objects flying around the solar system , two quotes that ram it home"it happened once and it will happen again", and "Global killer".
Happy Christmas to all.
Roger