From: "Eileen M. Bendixsen" <ebend@crow.cybercomm.net>
Subject: Comet Alert
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 23:18:50 GMT
Errors-to: mail-mgr@quest.arc.nasa.gov
Since the upcoming Comet Hale-Bopp has been mentioned several times in
past discussions I thought some of you might be interested in this message
that was posted on Kidsphere.
Eileen
Date: Sun, 13 Oct 1996 21:56:50 -0500
From: Bob Riddle <starwalk@gvi.net>
Subject: Comet Alert
Organization: KCMSD Planetarium
Greetings:
Two naked-eye comets are currently visible in the evening and/or morning
skies.
^^^ ^^^^^^
Comet Hale-Bopp (1995 O1)continues inbound toward the sun and close
approach to the Earth next March. Presently it is located along the eastern side
of Ophiuchus. It is visible with binoculars and in dark enough skies
visible to the naked eye. This area of the sky sets about 2 hours after the sun.
Comet Tabur (C/1996Q1) was discovered by Vello Tabur of Wanniassa,
Australian Capital Territory on 21 August. Closest approach to the Earth was
last week and the comet is now bright enough to be seen with binoculars.
During October Comet Tabur passes beneath the handle of the Big Dipper
asterism. This month offers two viewing opportunities as the Big Dipper is
above the northwestern horizon before sunset, and is above the
northeastern horizon before sunrise. It is very well-placed for viewers in the
northern hemisphere, but unfortunately has moved to far to the north for
southern
hemisphere viewing.
Caveat Observer: The lunar cycle started 12 October. The waxing moon
will be in the evening sky and may provide enough light to interfere with
seeing Comet Tabur. Check your local times for moonset and moonrise times so
that observing cam be done after moonset or in about a week before moonrise.
I've made a basic star chart showing the position of Comet Tabur at 5-day
intervals. It is at:
http://oz.sunflower.org/~starwalk/current_sky.html
Additional info may be found by using any search engine to match "Comet
Tabur"
Clear Skies...
Bob Riddle, Director mailto:starwalk@gvi.net
KCMSD Planetarium
http://www.tyrell.net/~starwalk/kcmsd_planetarium.html
Kansas City, MO.