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Author
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Topic: Spotting the unusual green Comet Lulin
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LCDR Scott Schneeweis
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posted 02-09-2009 03:22 PM
   
A green comet approaches Earth and will be potentially visible to the naked eye this month. The article includes a star chart indicating where the comet will be located.The comet makes its closest approach to Earth (0.41 AU) on Feb. 24, 2009. Current estimates peg the maximum brightness at 4th or 5th magnitude, which means dark country skies would be required to see it. No one can say for sure, however, because this appears to be Lulin's first visit to the inner solar system and its first exposure to intense sunlight. Surprises are possible.Lulin's green color comes from the gases that make up its Jupiter-sized atmosphere. Jets spewing from the comet's nucleus contain cyanogen (CN: a poisonous gas found in many comets) and diatomic carbon (C2). Both substances glow green when illuminated by sunlight in the near-vacuum of space. ------------------
Scott Schneeweis
http://www.SPACEAHOLIC.com/ |
AstronautBrian
Member Posts: 287
From: Louisiana
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-09-2009 09:38 PM
Hmmm...sounds interesting. I bet in the clear desert skies of Arizona you have a good shot at seeing it, Scott. Where in the sky is it expected to be?------------------
"There's a meaning there, but the meaning there doesn't really mean a thing." - Russell Morris |
ilbasso
Member Posts: 1522
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 02-09-2009 10:04 PM
Current position is at Heavens Above. |
LCDR Scott Schneeweis
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posted 02-09-2009 10:20 PM
At its closest point of approach to earth on the 24th (it will have already past perihelion and will be headed on its outbound leg) the comet will be visible just to the southwest of Saturn. Here's a chart showing where it will be from my viewing location at 0530. Where Saturn and the comet appear in your local sky may be different depending on your latitude and time of viewing. Click for larger image. |
AstronautBrian
Member Posts: 287
From: Louisiana
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-09-2009 11:06 PM
Thanks Scott. At least Saturn will be there to provide a good reference point.------------------
"There's a meaning there, but the meaning there doesn't really mean a thing." - Russell Morris |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 02-10-2009 05:16 PM
I'd actually break my rule of being an evening astronomer and get up early to get some images of this thing. Normally, I'm a stay up late rather than get up early astronomer....just need some clearing here in Seattle! Grrr... This last year has been FRUSTRATING! Tom
www.eastsideastro.org/observatory |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
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Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 02-23-2009 04:35 PM
Apparently there is a chance of a Comet Lulin sighting in the southwest sky just before dawn on Tuesday, February 24 for those of us in the U.S.Fellow cSers, you may want to check astronomy sites for comet availability for you. Tom G., any advice to our group? Garry (MarylandSpace) |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-24-2009 09:40 AM
 The comet Lulin (center-right) is seen through the trees Monday Night, Feb. 23, 2009 from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Comet made its closest approach to the Earth tonight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls) |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 02-26-2009 04:49 PM
I got a couple chances to see the comet last week. I might have one more chance tomorrow night since the forecast may allow it. Here are a couple photos I took. Scroll down a little on the blog page and you'll see them. As mentioned before I'm sure, the last 2 years have been absolutely horrible for Astronomy here in Seattle. Clouds, crud, more clouds...etc. I did see it last night in a hole in the clouds with binoculars, pretty easy to find up near Regulus. If it was clearer, I would have opened the observatory, but just too cloudy. |
spaceman1953
Member Posts: 953
From: South Bend, IN
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 02-27-2009 04:16 PM
Yeah, glad "tegwilym" (the photo guy above) pointed out on his website that it is best seen with averted eyes... and that it is just a green haze... was not sure I was seeing it at all... binoculars didn't add much to the experience... but at least I think we saw it! Hale-Bopp was still the best... many, many nights of great viewing! |
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