Comet Machholz visible - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Shannon · 01-06-2005, 02:18 PM

If our wintery, overcast skies will let up in time, Comet Machholz will be visible in the sky on Friday, January 7th, between 9 and 10 PM. Look for the constellation Orion, and above him the Pleiades star cluster ("The 7 Sisters"); the comet will be visible as a faint, fuzzy object about two degrees to the right of the Pleiades constellation. You'll need binoculars or a good telephoto lens to get a good view. Comet Machholz is known as the "Green Comet".

Let us know if you have clear skies and manage to glimpse it! It's doubtful we'll have clear skies here in San Antonio, where Justin and I are, but we'll check if it clears up!

Shannon · 01-07-2005, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

If our wintery, overcast skies will let up in time, Comet Machholz will be visible in the sky on Friday, January 7th, between 9 and 10 PM. Look for the constellation Orion, and above him the Pleiades star cluster ("The 7 Sisters"); the comet will be visible as a faint, fuzzy object about two degrees to the right of the Pleiades constellation. You'll need binoculars or a good telephoto lens to get a good view. Comet Machholz is known as the "Green Comet".

Let us know if you have clear skies and manage to glimpse it! It's doubtful we'll have clear skies here in San Antonio, where Justin and I are, but we'll check if it clears up!

Guys, I know it's late but I wanted to let you know that here in San Antonio it's totally clear out tonight and Justin and I just got a good sighting of the Comet from our suburban backyard. At first we were looking in the wrong place (too close to Orion), but if you refer to this star chart it will help immensely in locating the comet. Once you identify the Pleiades and get them focused in your binoculars, the comet is plainly visible as a large, faint but visible bluish gas cloud -- round and obviously not a star. Awesome!

Check tomorrow night too... I suspect in the general vicinity you should still be able to spot it.

Nothing like astronomy to make the mind wander and appreciate the enormous wonder and beauty that is our universe!

01-08-2005, 01:19 PM

There will be a stargazing event at The Wild Basin in Austin tonight to see the comet. It'll be running from 7:30 to 9:30. I'll be volunteering at the event this evening, collecting admission at the entrance. The cost is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for school age children, kids too young for school are free.

Come out if you can.

Steve

toejam · 01-09-2005, 09:06 PM

I saw the comet tonight while out burning brush. I clearly identified a fuzzy star in binoculars - couldn't really see it otherwise. I'd love to see another big one like we had a few years ago.