Astronomy Lab: Observing Comets

Goal: To observe comets currently in the sky

Comets are rarely visible to the naked eye, often only reaching magnitude 8 or so -- and therefore, requiring a good telescope for observation.

Visit the Skyhound comet hunters website or the Visual Comets in the Future. These sites list the comets visible in small (8" or less) telescopes for the current month. Select one of the comets that will be easily visible in your latitude in mid-evening during January of the current year (or during your observing period).

One comet this spring is due to become a naked eye comet with a magnitude of 5 in January and 4 in February: Comet C/2022 E3. . Check ==>HERE<== for details on where and when to look for it.

Click on the Finder Chart for your selected comet and study the arc of the path. Compare this to the same area of sky on your edition of Starry Night Enthusiast. Roughly how many degrees of arc does the comet move in the month of January?

Compare the brightness of other comets visible using telescopes this month as listed at the Skyhound site. Take a look at the summary data near the bottom of the page. From the values for magnitude and diameter, can you determine whether each of the comets listed is approaching the earth/sun, or leaving the central solar system?

Check the Cometography/Cometografia website to see whether your comet is listed and whether photographs are available taken over a several month period. If so, make a chart of each observation and estimate the angular size of the comet image based on surrounding stars, if you are able to identify them. Plot the position of the comet over time on a sky chart.

You may also check the web to see whether other observations are available from observatory or amateur astronomers. Some may actual post video of comet motions on YouTube.

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