Comet break-up puts on sky show

[Rick]

A comet is delighting astronomers with a marvellous night-time display as it makes a near pass of the Earth.

The ball of ice, rock and dust has broken up into more than 60 pieces; two of the larger fragments are visible through binoculars or small telescopes.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4754797.stm
Also: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/05/01/hubble_comet_break_up/

[Rick]

...assuming there's even the hint of a clear sky, and that pesky Moon gets out of it...

[JohnP]

Hi Rick,

Please don't let the moon put you off. I imaged it under perfect clear skies last night from Bromley with a FULL moon (I'll post the image shortly along side the M81 I also imaged...) I also looked visually & you could clearly see it. It's not round for much longer so go for it regardless of the moon....

John