Comet McNaught: Difference between revisions
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==Viewing== |
==Viewing== |
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Comet McNaught has had its [[apparent magnitude]] estimated as high as -3, but due to its proximity to the sun it has a short window for viewing. It can be found close to the horizon, near [[Venus]], [[Aquila (constellation)|Aquila]], and [[Ophiuchus]], for |
Comet McNaught has had its [[apparent magnitude]] estimated as high as -3, but due to its proximity to the sun it has a short window for viewing. It can be found close to the horizon, near [[Venus]], [[Aquila (constellation)|Aquila]], and [[Ophiuchus]], for approximately 30 minutes after the sun sets in the northern hemisphere. After passing the sun, Comet McNaught should become visible in the southern hemisphere. |
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Comet McNaught is currently tied with [[Comet West]] ([[1975]]) as the 3rd brightest comet seen in the last 70 years, and the brightest in 30 years. [http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/icq/brightest.html]. It could become even brighter after making its closest pass to the sun on January 12, 2007. The comet entered [[SOHO]] LASCO C3's [[field of view]] on January 12, and is expected to be brighter than comet [[C/2002 V1|NEAT]] in 2003. |
Comet McNaught is currently tied with [[Comet West]] ([[1975]]) as the 3rd brightest comet seen in the last 70 years, and the brightest in 30 years. [http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/icq/brightest.html]. It could become even brighter after making its closest pass to the sun on January 12, 2007. The comet entered [[SOHO]] LASCO C3's [[field of view]] on January 12, and is expected to be brighter than comet [[C/2002 V1|NEAT]] in 2003. |
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Revision as of 22:01, 12 January 2007
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
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| Discovery | |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Robert H. McNaught |
| Discovery date | August 7, 2006 |
| Designations | |
| C/2006 P1, Comet McNaught, 2006 P1 | |
| Orbital characteristics | |
| Epoch | 2453990.5 (September 12, 2006) |
| Perihelion | 0.170753998163775 AU |
| Semi-major axis | -5681.10388683203 AU |
| Eccentricity | 1.00003005648226 |
| Inclination | 77.8276800447699° |
| Next perihelion | January 12, 2007 [1] |
C/2006 P1, also known as Comet McNaught, is a comet that was discovered on August 7, 2006 in Australia by Robert H. McNaught. It will make Perihelion on January 12, 2007, and has become visible to the naked eye.
Viewing
Comet McNaught has had its apparent magnitude estimated as high as -3, but due to its proximity to the sun it has a short window for viewing. It can be found close to the horizon, near Venus, Aquila, and Ophiuchus, for approximately 30 minutes after the sun sets in the northern hemisphere. After passing the sun, Comet McNaught should become visible in the southern hemisphere.
Comet McNaught is currently tied with Comet West (1975) as the 3rd brightest comet seen in the last 70 years, and the brightest in 30 years. [2]. It could become even brighter after making its closest pass to the sun on January 12, 2007. The comet entered SOHO LASCO C3's field of view on January 12, and is expected to be brighter than comet NEAT in 2003.
References and external links
- Evening viewing chart
- Article about comet
- Comet orbital elements and diagram
- Astronomy Picture of the Day
- Images of comet
- More Images of Comet
- Current SOHO hotshots of comet
 | This comet-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |