[BAA 00248] Comet 2006 M4 (SWAN)

[Rick]

Whilst comet 2006 M4 (SWAN) is still at a small solar elongation, this is increasing rapidly.  Early astrometric observations will be very important and these may now be possible in the morning twilight.  It should emerge from conjunction for Northern Hemisphere visual observers in mid September. Observers in Scotland are at the optimum latitude to make a visual recovery around September 13.    It is due to reach perihelion in late September and could reach 6th magnitude in October.  Although it is initially a morning object it should be visible in the evening sky by the end of September, although moonlight will begin to interfere.  It is currently in Leo and tracks north eastward, reaching Canes Venatici in early October.  An ephemeris is available on the comet section web page at http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/~jds and updates will appear as they become available.

Jonathan Shanklin
Director, Comet Section