Astronomy Picture of the Day

NASA ^ | 01/.05/06 | Michael Jager and Gerald Rhemann

[sig226]

Comet McNaught Heads for the Sun
Credit & Copyright: Michael Jager and Gerald Rhemann

Explanation: Early morning risers with a clear and unobstructed eastern horizon can enjoy the sight of Comet McNaught (C/2006 P1) in dawn skies over the next few days. Discovered in August by R. H. McNaught (Siding Spring Survey) the comet has grown bright enough to see with the unaided eye but will soon be lost in the glare of the Sun. Still, by January 11 sun-staring spacecraft SOHO should be able to offer web-based views as the comet heads toward a perihelion passage inside the orbit of Mercury. This image captures the new naked-eye comet at about 2nd magnitude in twilight skies near sunset on January 3rd. After rounding the Sun and emerging from the solar glare later this month, Comet McNaught could be even brighter.

[sig226]

First I've heard of this, I guess I'm not paying attention. It looks like I have a date with a comet tommorrow morning, the Atlantic is just over there and it offers a clear view of the eastern sky . . .

diagram

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[cripplecreek]

First I've heard of it too and I usually keep abreast of these things.

[sig226]

And what would a comet thread be without a pair of these?

[metmom]

Rain, of course. I hadn't heard of this either.

[JerseyJohn61]

As soon as we get a clear morning here I'll be looking
for it. Thanks for the heads up....JJ61

[fnord]

cool, I'll try to remember to get outside to see it (I always forget)