The previous Comet McNaught, (C/2006 P1), that made headlines around the world was discovered by Australian astronomer and comet hunter Robert McNaught of the Siding Spring Observatory, who also discovered the new comet that was named for him. The new Comet McNaught, (C/2009 R1), was discovered on September 9, 2009 (9/9/09). This comet is currently approaching the sun where it is brightening and is expected to become visible against dark skies without any optical aid.
The Path of Comet McNaught
Comet McNaught is currently leaving the constellation Andromeda as it heads for Perseus. On June 14 and 15, 2010, the comet will be very close to Delta Persei. After Comet McNaught leaves Perseus it will enter Auriga, where it will pass the star Capella around June 21 and 22. Capella is the sixth brightest star in the sky and therefore makes a good guidepost for those trying to locate the comet. On June 24 and 25, Comet McNaught passes the star Menkalinan, or Beta Aurigae, the second brightest star in the constellation Auriga after Capella.
All the June dates for finding Comet McNaught require observers to rise early in the morning, as the constellations named do not appear above the northeastern horizon until the early morning hours. A new moon this weekend, June 12, will provide especially dark skies for those attempting to find this faint fuzzball. The comet is currently about 5th magnitude, around the threshold of brightness for observing without a telescope, so starting with a telescope or binoculars is encouraged before moving on to trying to spot Comet McNaught without optical aid. The comet will be brightening until it reaches its closest point to the sun on July 2, when it will no longer be visible.
When Comet McNaught edges away from the sun, it will dive down into southern skies in the evening and no longer be much of a target for Northern Hemisphere observers.
Comet McNaught: What to Look For
What an observer sees when viewing Comet McNaught depends partly on the atmospheric conditions. In light polluted locations, the tail will be much more difficult to detect. The tail stretches more than a million kilometers long, and observers and astrophotographers have already spotted the bluish white ion tail and captured it on film. The head of the comet is a greenish hue, with the atmosphere around the coma billowing to larger than the planet Jupiter. For images and a sky map, visit spaceweather.com.
Source: IAU Minor Planet Center, Spaceweather.com
Kelly Whitt - I have been a professional writer for more than a decade, covering many topics from science-based articles to do-it-yourself home ...
