Comet 46P/Wirtanen

[Ad Astra]

Who's looking for the "Christmas Comet," 46P/Wirtanen?

How to see 2018’s brightest comet | EarthSky.org

Though faint, it's close. Think diffuse ball of light, not pinpoint.

Can be seen online as well ...

I'll be breaking out the Oberwerk 20x80 binocs soon ...

Just south of the "Seven Sisters," the Pleiades cluster on 16th .... and everybody knows where that winter sky-gem is.

Give it a look.


AA

 

[MHBru]

Even with a bright.moon I'll stuck w the geminids. Easier. ☺

 

[Ad Astra]

Even with a bright.moon I'll stuck w the geminids. Easier. ☺

Yeah. Our Geminids are getting rained out tonight/tomorrow.

edit: Hey, today's Google Doodle is about the Geminids. Neat.


AA

 

[MilkCrate]

Looks like we are going to be rained out down here.

 

[Ad Astra]

Well, Geminids might be a wash; sure; but look out for a good Wirtanen night ... there will be multiple opportunities.

South of Pleiades, can't miss that ... and this weekend, clear near here.

Moon IS a factor. Stupid moon! Astronomer's Bane.


AA

 

[Ad Astra]

Tried hard to see Wirtanen last night with 60mm binos, but it's just too faint or diffuse ... You'll need really dark skies. The moon is a curse as well.

The thing will actually appear larger than the moon, but so faint... Ghostly.

Yet we must try. In the name of science!


AA

 

[ajkel64]

Did you get to see what you wanted to see?

 

[Ad Astra]

Did you get to see what you wanted to see?

Not me! Total bust, and I have two sets of astro-binocs.

One needed very dark skies, and I couldn't get away...

AA

 

[Mike H]

Just north of the seven sisters tonight with clear sky’s. The MOON was out and I could not locate the comet. I did see a meteor, so that was cool.