Quote: Originally posted by jenchris40 on 18/7/2020
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 18/7/2020
Quote: Originally posted by jenchris40 on 18/7/2020
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 17/7/2020
The asteroid I don't want to see is the one without a tail because then it will be heading straight for us - lol
Post last edited on 18/07/2020 00:01:28
Not quite Bob - the tail points away from the sun whichever way the comet is travelling.
I thought the tail was all the debris coming off the back of the comet as it belts along at thousands of miles an hour.
Incidentally, I am sure I saw the International Space Station whizzing across the sky last night...either that or a UFO!
No, in near enough a vacuum there's nothing to pull debris off along the path of the comet. While it's on the more distant part of its orbit a comet just travels along like any asteroid. As it gets nearer to the sun the radiation/solar wind starts to vaporize the comet and puhes the resulting gas directly away from the sun. There's a good little animation here:
I went out last night for a look but it has got a lot dimmer now so really hard to spot as the comet is moving away from the Sun, I did take a couple of shots but they were a little bit disappointing. I can't believe in just a week it's gone from such a stunning sight to virtually zilch.
I just about managed to see it last night - very faint, but it was there. Better late than never! Street lights didn't help! By my house the lighting is sodium still, but either end of the road is leds and frankly - although I know they save a lot of energy - I'm dreading them, they are dazzling.
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
Clear skies tonight in Lancashire International Space Station due at 10.27 travelling west to east. I'll look for the comet. later.
Just watching the sunset over towards Southport.
I went out last night & I could see it a lot better from home although its still quite faint now I could make out the tail with the naked eye so a dark North view will help a lot. However I went out in the garden & I could still see it above the houses so I thought I know I'll set up a scope in the observatory to get a closer look & fire off some shots while I were there, I shouldn't have bothered because as soon as I opened up the shutter Neowise decided to go behind a tree aaaaaargh!!!!!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Comet Neowise
